Speaking candidly, Kumar normalized party frictions: ‘Discord exists everywhere; it shouldn’t drive you to the ideological foe.’ He rubbished claims of inaccessibility to Rahul Gandhi, revealing routine Parliament meetings and pre-budget huddles. ‘Bordoloi fled and now fabricates charges,’ Kumar charged.

Kumar went further, speculating Bordoloi was ‘bought’ by BJP’s resources. ‘That party has everything; he’s auctioning himself while questioning our leadership. Internal strife? BJP has plenty—wait till he ditches them over Modi access.’

Kumar decried Kangana Ranaut’s jabs at Rahul Gandhi as ‘deeply regrettable,’ highlighting BJP’s double standards on House etiquette. ‘Women across India revere Rahul from his yatra; our party honors them too. Such barbs are national misfortune.’

Defending party stance on international issues, Kumar backed Sonia Gandhi’s response to Iran’s turmoil. ‘No involvement in the conflict, but silence on a partner’s leader’s killing erodes diplomacy. Robust foreign policy defines global leadership.’

As crossovers shake alliances, Kumar’s words signal Congress’s resolve to combat ‘induced’ exits. The episode spotlights escalating verbal duels, with implications for opposition unity.

The MP’s decision stems from dissatisfaction over ticket allocations, according to Priyanka. ‘Had we known, we could have sat down and sorted it out. This abrupt exit is regrettable,’ she remarked, highlighting missed opportunities for dialogue.

Bordoloi’s letter to party chief Mallikarjun Kharge formally relinquished all positions and membership, ending with warm wishes. A two-time winner from the strategically vital Dibrugarh seat, known for its tea estates and industries, Bordoloi’s potential shift to BJP has been hinted at by him and confirmed by ex-Congress figure Navjyoti Talukdar.

Talukdar revealed plans to join BJP alongside Bordoloi after consultations with Assam CM. When pressed, Bordoloi cryptically noted, ‘It seems so because I’ve been called.’ This development spells trouble for Congress in Assam, already grappling with factionalism and weak structures.

Echoing calls for discipline, MP Manoj Kumar thanked Odisha leaders, Rahul Gandhi, and Kharge for suspending wrongdoers, demanding similar purges in Bihar. As defections mount, Congress must strategize to stem the tide and rebuild in the Northeast.

‘I am resigning from all posts, privileges, and primary membership with a heavy heart,’ Bordoloi wrote, extending best wishes to the Congress in his parting note.

Bordoloi’s track record includes back-to-back wins from BJP stronghold Dibrugarh in 2019 and 2024. Sources indicate a likely BJP joining imminently, where he could emerge as a major player in the party’s Assam operations.

For Congress, already weakened by infighting and poor electoral showings, this is a body blow. Bordoloi’s history as APCC chief and his contributions to the 2016 campaign highlight his stature.

The party’s decline—shrinking to 29 seats in 2021 after consistent losses—fueled discontent among leaders like Bordoloi, who criticized leadership choices and organizational flaws. BJP’s unbroken rule since 2016 and its 2024 Lok Sabha sweep (9/14 seats) signal the changing landscape.

Bordoloi’s move may tilt the balance in upper Assam, strengthening BJP’s grip. With voting set for April 9 across all 126 seats and results on May 4, this defection could reshape the electoral battlefield.