Internal tensions within the Indian National Congress (INC) in Assam have escalated following an ultimatum from Nagaon MP Pradyut Bordoloi to the party’s central leadership regarding candidate selection for the Lahorighat Assembly constituency in the upcoming state elections. Bordoloi expressed his “pain and anguish” in a letter to AICC general secretary Jitendra Singh, citing neglect of his concerns over the candidacy of sitting MLA Asif Mohammad Nazar. He accused APCC president Gaurav Gogoi and senior leader Imran Masood of humiliating him during internal discussions.
Bordoloi’s grievances intensified after a violent attack on him on April 27, 2025, when he was reportedly targeted by 20 masked assailants in Dhing. He alleged that Emdadul Islam, a known associate of Nazar, was the mastermind behind this attack and emphasized that Islam was celebrated by Nazar and Gogoi after being granted bail. Despite presenting evidence against Nazar’s candidacy to the party’s screening committee, Bordoloi felt dismissed by Masood during an AICC meeting, where his accusations were described as false.
In the wake of Bordoloi’s dissent, Gogoi downplayed the situation, asserting there was no rebellion within the party and emphasizing the importance of unity for Assam’s interests. This assertion came amidst speculation of unrest following the resignation of another senior leader, Praneshwar Basumatary, after the party’s second candidate list announcement. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has suggested Bordoloi may eventually leave INC for the Bharatiya Janata Party, speculating that his exit could occur before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
