Prateek Bordoloi Withdraws Candidature Following Father's Shift to BJP

In a significant political move, Prateek Bordoloi has withdrawn his candidacy for the Margherita Assembly seat just a day after his father, Pradyut Bordoloi, joined the BJP. Citing the need for clarity within the party, Prateek expressed his unwavering commitment to Congress ideals and his intention to continue supporting the party's efforts in Margherita. This decision raises questions about the Congress's strategy in the constituency as they prepare for the upcoming Assembly elections. Read on to discover more about this unfolding political drama.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 19, 2026, 11:56 IST

Political Shift in Margherita

Guwahati, Mar 19: Following the recent political transition of his father, former Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi, to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Prateek Bordoloi has decided to withdraw his candidacy for the Margherita Assembly seat. He cited the 'current circumstances' as the reason for his decision.

In a letter directed to Mallikarjun Kharge, the president of the All India Congress Committee (AICC), Prateek expressed that it would be inappropriate for him to remain a candidate.

“Given the current situation, following my father's decision to join another political party, I believe it is not suitable for me to continue as a candidate,” he stated in his letter.

The letter, dated March 18, highlights Prateek's intention to maintain clarity within the organization during this politically tumultuous time.

He emphasized his dedication to the party, asserting that the constituents of Margherita and Congress members “deserve complete transparency.”

“My choice is driven solely by my respect for the organization and my commitment to uphold the principles and discipline of the Congress party,” he remarked.

This decision reportedly followed a discussion with AICC Assam in-charge Jitendra Singh and senior observer DK Shivakumar on Wednesday night.

Prateek, who is currently the co-chairman of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee’s social media department, affirmed his commitment to the party despite stepping back from the electoral contest.

“I want to reiterate that my belief in the Congress ideals remains steadfast. I will continue to support the party and work towards the development of Margherita in any capacity that the leadership finds suitable,” he stated in his letter.

His withdrawal comes just a day after his father, Nagaon MP Pradyut Bordoloi, officially joined the BJP at the residence of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in New Delhi.

When asked about his son's political future, Pradyut had previously asserted that family political decisions are independent.

“I have made every decision in my life independently. I had no godfather in the Congress. I told my son he is an adult, and the decision is his to make,” he remarked.

State Congress president Gaurav Gogoi expressed support for Prateek’s candidacy on Wednesday, indicating that the party would consult its central leadership as the situation develops.

With Prateek Bordoloi stepping aside from the race, all eyes are now on the Congress's next steps in Margherita and how they will adjust their strategy in the constituency ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.