Priyanka Gandhi Assam Visit Postponed Amid Bhupen Borah BJP Switch Crisis 2026
The functioning of the Assam Congress appears to have been thrown into disarray following the dramatic developments involving former state president Bhupen Borah, who resigned from the party amid internal tensions and later indicated a potential switch to the BJP. This upheaval has directly impacted senior Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s planned two-day visit to Assam, which was abruptly postponed or rescheduled amid the chaos.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, serving as the chairperson of the All India Congress Committee’s (AICC) screening committee for candidate selection ahead of the 2026 Assam Assembly elections, was originally scheduled to arrive in the state on February 18, 2026 (Wednesday), for intensive consultations. Her visit aimed to strengthen the party’s preparations, resolve internal issues, and energize cadres in a state where the BJP holds a strong grip under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
However, the timing of Bhupen Borah’s resignation—submitted to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and leader Rahul Gandhi—created significant turbulence. Sources within the party cited “unavoidable reasons” for the change in plans, with conflicting reports emerging: some indicated a full cancellation due to the crisis, while Assam Congress media head Bedabrata Bora clarified that the visit was shifted to February 19, 2026, maintaining the two-day programme. This shift highlights the party’s scramble to manage fallout and project stability.
During the proposed itinerary, Priyanka Gandhi was expected to conduct one-on-one meetings with state Congress office-bearers, MLAs including prominent figures like Gaurav Gogoi (current APCC president), and engage at district and mandal levels. These interactions were crucial for finalizing candidate lists, addressing factional rifts, and building momentum for the upcoming polls, expected in March-April 2026.
The root of the turmoil lies in Bhupen Borah’s long-standing grievances. After serving as APCC president from 2021 to 2025, Borah felt sidelined following Gaurav Gogoi’s appointment as his successor. Reports suggest he alleged being “ignored” by the leadership, with internal rivalries— including accusations involving Gogoi and other figures—exacerbating the situation. Borah, a two-time MLA from Bihpuria and a key organizer in past campaigns, submitted his resignation on February 16, 2026, ending a 32-year association with the Congress.
The high command responded swiftly: Rahul Gandhi spoke to Borah over the phone, AICC Assam in-charge Jitendra Singh visited his residence, and efforts were made to persuade him to reconsider. Borah initially sought time to consult family and colleagues, withdrawing or pausing the resignation temporarily. However, subsequent developments pointed toward his formal decision to join the BJP, with announcements indicating a joining date of February 22, 2026. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma openly welcomed the move, promising a “safe seat” and highlighting Borah as the “last Hindu leader” from a non-dynastic background in the Congress, drawing parallels to his own switch from Congress years ago.
This defection is seen as a major blow to the Congress, especially amid ongoing candidate selection and alliance-building efforts with opposition parties like the United Opposition Forum. Borah’s exit has fueled speculation of further defections, with Sarma hinting at 4-5 more Congress MLAs possibly following suit. The BJP has capitalized on the narrative, portraying the Congress as plagued by “leadership paralysis,” factionalism, and neglect of grassroots leaders.
In response to the crisis, a press conference was held at Rajiv Bhawan in Guwahati on February 18, 2026 (Wednesday), addressed by AICC general secretary Jitendra Singh, APCC president Gaurav Gogoi, and other leaders. The event aimed to downplay the internal discord and reaffirm unity ahead of Priyanka Gandhi’s rescheduled engagements.
The broader context reveals deep-seated challenges for the Assam Congress. The party has struggled against the BJP’s dominance since 2016, compounded by internal divisions, leadership changes, and accusations of appeasement politics. Borah’s potential switch not only weakens organizational strength but also damages morale among workers, coming at a time when the party needs cohesion to challenge the ruling dispensation in 2026.
Priyanka Gandhi’s visit, even if rescheduled, remains pivotal. As a key strategist and the face of the Gandhi family’s outreach, her interactions could help mediate disputes, finalize candidates, and project a united front. Yet, the shadow of Borah’s departure looms large, raising questions about the party’s ability to retain talent and counter the BJP’s aggressive poaching.
Political analysts view this episode as symptomatic of larger issues in the Congress nationwide—dynastic perceptions, centralized decision-making, and failure to empower regional leaders. In Assam, where identity politics, alliances, and local issues dominate, such instability could prove costly in the electoral battle.
As the situation evolves, all eyes are on whether Borah finalizes his BJP move and if Priyanka Gandhi’s visit proceeds smoothly to salvage the party’s position. The coming days will be critical in determining whether the Congress can regroup or if this marks the beginning of a larger exodus ahead of the 2026 Assam Assembly elections.
