Pradyut Bordoloi, a Lok Sabha MP and senior leader of the Indian National Congress, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. Bordoloi cited feelings of “humiliation” and being “shunted out” of party forums after expressing support for Congress leader Shashi Tharoor as reasons for his decision.
A Shift in Assam Politics
Bordoloi’s defection comes just 20 days before the Assam Assembly elections, scheduled for April 9, 2026, with vote counting on May 4, 2026. The move took place in Fresh Delhi, with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Assam BJP President Dilip Saikia present at the induction ceremony.
According to Bordoloi, he experienced “suffocation and humiliation” within the Congress for the past two years. He similarly described an incident during an Assam Congress Central Election Committee meeting where his concerns about a candidate’s alleged criminal links were dismissed as “fabricated” by party leader Imran Masood, with the state party president remaining silent.
Bordoloi, a two-term MP representing Nagaon, previously served as a Cabinet Minister in the Assam government and was the chairman of the Congress manifesto committee for the upcoming Assembly elections. He submitted his resignation to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
Chief Minister Sarma stated that the BJP’s national president, Nitin Nabin, approved Bordoloi’s induction. Sarma also suggested that more Congress leaders may join the BJP, asserting that individuals with “self-respect” would identify it difficult to remain in the Congress party.
This development follows the recent defection of former Assam Congress chief Bhupen Kumar Borah, who also joined the BJP in February 2026. With Bordoloi’s exit, the Congress party has lost one of its three Lok Sabha MPs from Assam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Pradyut Bordoloi join the BJP?
Pradyut Bordoloi stated he joined the BJP due to feelings of “humiliation” and being “shunted out” of party forums within the Congress, particularly after supporting Shashi Tharoor. He also cited a specific incident where his concerns about a candidate’s alleged criminal links were dismissed.
When are the Assam Assembly elections?
The Assam Assembly elections for all 126 constituencies will be held in a single phase on April 9, 2026, with the counting of votes scheduled for May 4, 2026.
Who was present when Pradyut Bordoloi joined the BJP?
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Assam BJP President Dilip Saikia were present when Pradyut Bordoloi formally joined the BJP in New Delhi.
Given these recent shifts in political alignment, what impact will these defections ultimately have on the outcome of the upcoming Assam Assembly elections?
