Former Union Minister Rajen Gohain and 17 Others Resign from Assam BJP

In a significant political development in Assam ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, former Union Minister and four-time Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament from Nagaon, Rajen Gohain, resigned from the party along with 17 other members on Thursday. Gohain, a prominent leader in Assam politics and a senior BJP figure, formally communicated his resignation through a letter addressed to Assam BJP president Dilip Saikia, in which he relinquished his primary membership and all organisational responsibilities with immediate effect.

Sources within the party indicated that the 17 other members who resigned along with Gohain primarily hailed from Upper and Central Assam. Their resignation reflects growing dissatisfaction and unrest within the BJP’s state unit, signaling potential internal discord that could have implications for the party’s electoral prospects in the upcoming state elections. Observers noted that such mass resignations from experienced members could indicate both ideological differences and discontent with the functioning and decision-making processes of the state leadership.

In his resignation letter and in subsequent comments to the press, Gohain outlined his reasons for leaving the party. He cited the BJP’s “failure to fulfil the promises made to the people of Assam” as a key factor. Gohain emphasized that promises made by the party, presumably regarding development, governance, and representation of local interests, had not been met during its tenure. Additionally, he criticized the party for its approach toward indigenous communities, accusing the BJP of “betrayal” by permitting outsiders to settle in the state. This indicates Gohain’s perception that the party’s policies had neglected or undermined local Assamese and tribal interests, leading to a breach of trust with long-standing constituents.

Rajen Gohain has been a prominent figure in Assam’s political landscape for decades. He represented the Nagaon parliamentary constituency in the Lok Sabha for four consecutive terms from 1999 to 2019, establishing himself as a seasoned legislator with a significant political base. During his tenure as a Member of Parliament, Gohain became a recognizable leader in Assam, contributing to parliamentary debates, local development initiatives, and policy discussions. Further solidifying his political stature, Gohain served as the Union Minister of State for Railways from 2016 to 2019, a position that allowed him to play a role in shaping national-level infrastructure and transportation policies while also impacting development projects within Assam.

The departures from the party of Gohain and 17 other members may have considerable implications for the BJP ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. Analysts suggest that the resignations expose potential fault lines within the party, particularly in Upper and Central Assam, where some of the departing members were active. Internal dissatisfaction can affect organizational cohesion, electoral campaigning, and the ability to mobilize grassroots support. Furthermore, given Gohain’s stature and experience, his departure could influence voter sentiment, particularly among constituents loyal to him over multiple terms.

While the resignations highlight internal challenges for the BJP, they also provide an opportunity for other political parties in Assam to capitalize on perceived discontent within the ruling party. Opposition parties may seek to woo disenchanted leaders and their supporters in strategic constituencies, leveraging the narrative of unfulfilled promises and the party’s alleged neglect of local and indigenous interests.

Overall, Rajen Gohain’s resignation, along with the exits of 17 other BJP members, represents a critical moment for Assam politics. It underscores the growing internal challenges within the BJP’s state unit while emphasizing the importance of addressing both organizational grievances and constituent expectations. As the 2026 Assembly elections approach, the party will need to manage these setbacks carefully, balancing leadership dynamics and voter engagement to maintain its political strength in Assam. The events also reflect broader themes in state politics, including the negotiation of local identity, development promises, and the alignment of party policies with the aspirations of indigenous communities.

In conclusion, the resignations signal both a personal protest by Rajen Gohain against the party’s policies and a wider expression of dissatisfaction within the BJP in Assam, with potential ramifications for party strategy, electoral performance, and political stability in the state leading up to the next assembly elections.