Prateek Bordoloi withdraws nomination from Assam assembly race day after father joins BJP

Guwahati: Congress candidate from Margherita, Prateek Bordoloi on Thursday withdrew his nomination, a day after his father — veteran leader, former minister and Lok Sabha MP Pradyut Bordoloi — switched sides to join BJP.In a letter addressed to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Prateek said he was stepping aside “with utmost respect and a deep sense of responsibility” towards the party. Citing his father’s political move, he noted that continuing as a Congress candidate under the present circumstances “would not be appropriate”.Prateek said the people of Margherita and Congress workers “deserve absolute clarity and confidence” in the party’s nominee.

“It would be unfair if any confusion or perception arises regarding my commitment or the party’s position,” he wrote.However, Prateek reaffirmed his loyalty to Congress in the letter stating that his “faith in the ideals of Congress remains unwavering” and that he would continue to work for the party and the development of Margherita in any role the leadership deemed fit.A Congress worker since his youth, Prateek said the organisation had shaped his political values and given him the platform to serve.

He expressed gratitude to the leadership for its trust and encouragement over the years.His exit from the contest marks the latest jolt to Congress in Upper Assam, coming within hours of his father’s high-profile defection to BJP — a development that triggered intense speculation about the younger Bordoloi’s future.Congress is yet to announce the candidate who will replace Prateek in Margherita.Pradyut Bordoloi himself had represented Margherita for four successive terms (1998–2016) and served as a minister in state govt between 2001 and 2015. In 2019, Bordoloi was elected to Lok Sabha from Nagaon and successfully retained the seat in 2024.