Dilip Baruah Resigns from Congress Ahead of Assam Assembly Elections

Dilip Baruah, a veteran Congress leader, has announced his resignation from the party ahead of the Assam Assembly elections. Citing a decline in the party's effectiveness under current leadership, he expressed concerns about the political environment and the direction of the party. Baruah's departure raises questions about the Congress's future as political defections become common in the lead-up to elections. His comments on the party's management and recent ticket decisions highlight ongoing internal conflicts. As Baruah contemplates his next steps, the political landscape in Assam continues to shift.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 4, 2026, 18:56 IST

Dilip Baruah's Departure from Congress

Guwahati, Feb 4: In a significant political move ahead of the forthcoming state Assembly elections, Dilip Baruah, the former president of the Biswanath district Congress and a current executive member of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), announced his resignation from the party on Wednesday.

During a press conference held at his home, Baruah revealed that he had submitted his resignation letter to Jitendra Singh, the party's state in-charge.

He expressed that the Congress party thrived under the leadership of Bhupen Bora but has seen a decline under Jorhat MP Gaurav Gogoi's guidance.

“After nearly five decades with the Congress, I have made the tough decision to resign. My association with the party dates back to 1976, but the current environment is not conducive for effective work. It feels like the party is being managed as a ‘Gaurav Gogoi Friends Club’,” Baruah stated.

He acknowledged Gogoi's eloquence in Parliament but suggested that he still has much to learn in the political arena.

“When Gaurav Gogoi took over as APCC president, we had high hopes for the party's progress, but there has been no substantial development. The groundwork we established seems to have vanished. Simply blaming the ruling party for ‘vote theft’ will not encourage voter turnout,” he added.

Baruah also voiced his discontent regarding the party's decision to grant a Congress ticket to Jayanta Bora for the Behali by-election without him formally joining the party.

When questioned about his future political aspirations, Baruah mentioned that he has not yet thought about aligning with another party.

Earlier, on January 14, another Congress leader, Rejaul Karim Sarkar, resigned from the party following controversial comments concerning the Sivasagar and Dhubri districts.

Sarkar's resignation letter to APCC president Gaurav Gogoi highlighted significant ideological differences and disappointment with the party's leadership.

As the Assembly elections approach, political shifts are common as leaders reassess their loyalties amid internal conflicts, aspirations for tickets, and changing power dynamics during this critical election period.