‘Disrespected, Felt Lonely’: Assam MP Pradyut Bordoloi Joins BJP Ahead of Assembly Elections, Quits Congress

In a major political development in Assam, Lok Sabha MP Pradyut Bordoloi has joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), just weeks before the upcoming state assembly elections. His move comes as a setback for the Indian National Congress, which he left after decades of association.

Bordoloi joined the BJP on Wednesday in the presence of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and state BJP president Dilip Saikia.

Sudden Exit from Congress

Just a day before joining the BJP, Bordoloi resigned from the Congress party on March 17. His exit came barely 20 days ahead of the Assam assembly elections, making the timing politically significant.

In his resignation letter addressed to Mallikarjun Kharge, Bordoloi expressed deep sadness over his decision. He stepped down from all party posts and primary membership.

'Felt Isolated and Insulted': Bordoloi Speaks Out

Sharing the reasons behind his decision, Bordoloi said he had been facing growing isolation within the party.

"I made this decision because I was being insulted on many issues by anyone who approached me from within the Congress Party, especially in the Assam unit. Even the Congress leadership was not showing sympathy towards me," he said.

He further added that he felt increasingly alone despite his long association with the party.
"I have become very lonely because I have been associated with the Congress all my life," Bordoloi said.

The MP also admitted that he was "not happy" about leaving a party that had been a key part of his life, but felt he had no other option.

BJP Welcomes the Move

Reacting to Bordoloi's entry into the BJP, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma welcomed him warmly. He said that Bordoloi's long political experience would strengthen the party.

Sarma also indicated that the Assam BJP may recommend Bordoloi's name to contest in the upcoming assembly elections. He added that the party is looking to bring more leaders from Congress into its fold.

'Self-Respect Matters More'

Earlier, Bordoloi had made it clear that his decision was not driven by electoral ambitions.
He said getting a ticket was "not a question of life and death" for him. Instead, he chose to leave the party to maintain his dignity and self-respect, even though he still has three years left in his current Lok Sabha term.

Congress Calls It Internal Issue

Leaders from the Congress downplayed the development, describing it as an internal matter. Senior party figures, including Jitendra Singh and Gaurav Gogoi, said the situation was like "differences within the family."

They also alleged that the move could be part of a political strategy influenced by the BJP leadership.

Political Impact Ahead of Elections

Bordoloi is a two-time MP from the Nagaon constituency and a former state cabinet minister. His switch to the BJP is expected to impact Assam's political landscape ahead of the elections.

Interestingly, his son, Prateek Bordoloi, remains with the Congress and is contesting the upcoming assembly elections from the Margherita seat.

Pradyut Bordoloi's exit from Congress and entry into the BJP highlights the shifting political dynamics in Assam ahead of the polls. While the BJP sees it as a boost, Congress has tried to minimise its impact.

As elections draw closer, such developments are likely to play a key role in shaping the final outcome.