In Assam, political activity has intensified following the decision of senior Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP Pradyut Bordoloi to join the Bharatiya Janata Party and receive a party ticket within 24 hours. The development has triggered internal discontent and renewed debate over electoral strategy within the party.
A significant shift in the state’s political landscape was observed when Bordoloi joined the BJP and was immediately nominated as the party’s candidate from the Dispur constituency. The move has generated reactions across the state’s political spectrum ahead of the upcoming elections.
The BJP’s decision to allot a ticket to Bordoloi within a short timeframe indicates an effort to advance new faces rapidly as part of its electoral strategy.
The nomination of Bordoloi has led to the removal of the sitting BJP MLA Atul Bora from the Dispur seat. The decision has prompted expressions of dissatisfaction within the party.
Bora has represented the Dispur constituency for an extended period and is considered to have a b presence in the area. His exclusion has highlighted internal concerns and created uncertainty among party workers.
Bordoloi has had a long political association with the Congress. He served as a minister in the government led by former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and has been elected twice as a Member of Parliament.
He represented the Margherita Assembly constituency from 1998 to 2016 and later won the Nagaon Lok Sabha seat, entering Parliament. He retained the seat in 2024, indicating continued political support.
Bordoloi described his decision to join the BJP as emotionally difficult. He stated that he felt constrained and neglected within the Congress, which led him to choose a different political path.
Amid these developments, it has also emerged that Bordoloi’s son, Prateek Bordoloi, has decided not to contest the Margherita seat as a Congress candidate.
Following the denial of a ticket, Atul Bora publicly expressed his dissatisfaction. He stated that he has represented the Dispur constituency since 1985 and has defeated several prominent leaders during his political career.
He added that he had expected the party to consider his past record and contributions, but that did not happen. Bora also raised concerns about the current environment within the BJP, stating that it is no longer the same as before and that party workers are experiencing uncertainty.
The BJP’s decision extends beyond a change of candidate and reflects a broader electoral approach. While the party has sought to strengthen its position by inducting an experienced leader, the removal of a long-standing representative has also increased the risk of internal discontent.
