Assam assembly poll jolt: Congress's Prateek withdraws candidature after dad Pradyut Bordoloi joins BJP

GUWAHATI: In a significant political development ahead of the Assam Assembly polls, Congress candidate Prateek Bordoloi on Thursday withdrew his nomination from the Margherita constituency, a day after his father — veteran leader and former minister Prayut Bordoloi — switched sides to join the 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 the 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.Reaffirming his loyalty, he emphasised that his “faith in the ideals of the 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 the Congress in Upper Assam, coming within hours of his father’s high‑profile defection to the BJP — a development that triggered intense speculation about the younger Bordoloi’s future.The Congress is yet to announce who will replace Prateek in Margherita.