The political focus has shifted to Prateek Bordoloi after senior Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi expressed support and sympathy for him following his father Pradyut Bordoloi joining the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Reacting to the development, Gogoi described Pradyut Bordoloi’s decision to switch sides as “very unfortunate,” noting that the Indian National Congress had supported him during the Lok Sabha elections and had even given an Assembly ticket this time to a member of his family. “Despite that, he has left due to personal reasons,” Gogoi said.
Amid the situation, Gogoi said he would personally reach out to Prateek Bordoloi, who is set to contest from Margherita. “All my sympathies are with him. I never thought he would have to face such a situation. I will call him and let him decide what he wants to do further,” he said, indicating the party’s willingness to stand by the young leader during the crisis.
Gogoi also emphasised that the upcoming Assembly elections are crucial for Assam’s future, describing the contest as a broader fight against the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. He claimed that people from various sections, including women, tea tribes, and youth, do not want Sarma to return as Chief Minister, while acknowledging that Bordoloi’s decision to support him is a personal choice.
On the possibility of alliances, Gogoi revealed that he had a telephonic conversation with Akhil Gogoi regarding a tie-up with the Raijor Dal, adding that the next step now depends on them. “The rest is already in the media,” he noted.
Referring to a recent visit to Pradyut Bordoloi’s residence, Gogoi said the election is not about individuals but about “freeing the state” from what he described as fear, corruption, and divisive politics. He also alleged irregularities in land distribution, claiming that many poor people were denied land pattas and faced increasing revenue burdens, while a single family allegedly held thousands of bighas of land through multiple members—an apparent reference to the Chief Minister.
Asserting that the Congress remains strong, particularly in regions like Lakhimpur, Gogoi said the party is preparing for a tough electoral battle. “This election is important for the youth and the new generation. I have pulled up my socks to defeat Himanta Biswa Sarma,” he said.
With Prateek Bordoloi now at the centre of a political storm following his father’s defection, the coming days are expected to be crucial in shaping both his electoral prospects and the Congress party’s strategy in Margherita.
