Assam’s political landscape is witnessing dramatic shifts just weeks before the state assembly elections, with resignations and party switches grabbing headlines. While these moves are often framed as strategic realignments ahead of polls, a closer look suggests deeper systemic issues in party structures, leadership credibility, and political confidence.

Congress in Chaos, Not Only Competition

The resignation drama of Bhupen Kumar Borah, the former president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee, was supposed to be a major setback for the party. Borah cited feelings of being ignored and internal dissatisfaction as key reasons for stepping down, a rare open criticism from within a party that often suppresses dissent.

However, within hours, Borah withdrew his resignation after party heavyweights intervened, including Rahul Gandhi and senior state leaders.

This public flip-flop may have prevented an immediate crisis, but it highlights something more troubling: a lack of internal cohesion and confidence within the Congress unit in Assam. Instead of a robust discussion on strategy and leadership, we see last-minute damage control, a reflection of a party uncertain about its direction and ability to contest effectively. The retreat from resignation raises more questions than it answers about morale and trust in leadership.

2. Defections and Opportunism: The Case of Abdur Rashid Mandal

The shift of MLA Abdur Rashid Mandal from Congress to the regional Raijor Dal might seem like a boost for opposition fragmentation, but this move is less about ideological alignment and more about political survival.

Mandal’s switch coming after Borah’s brief exit suggests that leaders feel insecure in a party perceived to be losing ground. Raijor Dal, led by AkhilGogoi, obviously presents a fresh brand with grassroots appeal, yet its electoral strength remains modest. Mandal’s move could signal opportunism rather than a principled shift, exploiting the uncertainty within Congress rather than helping build a coherent alternative platform.

BJP’s Strategic Advantage: Not Just Power, But Perception

Chief Minister HimantaBiswaSarma’s comments after Borah’s resignation, openly welcoming him into the BJP fold and hinting at more departures, underscore a sharp strategic advantage for the ruling party: it projects confidence and invites rivals in on its terms.

This highlights a striking dynamic in Assam’s politics today: the BJP doesn’t merely defend its position; it actively seeks to absorb opposition dissent. By presenting itself as a stable and expansive political home, the BJP reinforces a narrative that the opposition is fragmented and leaderless. And with national leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly attacking rival parties’ credibility in the state discourse, the BJP’s message resonates with voters seeking stability.

A Distressed Opposition and a Fragmented Strategy

The developments point to a fundamental problem for opposition parties in Assam, the failure to present a unified alternative politics. Instead of focusing on ground issues like unemployment, flood relief, or agricultural distress, much of the narrative revolves around internal rivalries and last-minute alignments.

Raijor Dal’s modest gains in local bodies, a reflection of some regional traction, show there are spaces for alternatives. But without a cohesive strategy to unify fragmented opposition voices and articulate a clear vision, these shifts risk being seen as personal manoeuvres rather than substantive political renewal.

What Assam’s Electorate Sees

For the voter on the ground, these political theatrics may feel distant from real concerns. Frequent resignations and uncertain alliances risk disengagement, reinforcing a perception that political activity is more about power play than people’s issues.

If Assam’s democracy is to be strengthened, political leaders, especially those in opposition, must go beyond election-season solidarity and offer consistent, issue-based engagement. Right now, these last-minute shifts may be newsworthy, but they don’t necessarily help the state’s democratic health.