GUWAHATI: Assam Congress candidate Prateek Bordoloi on Thursday withdrew his candidacy, a day after his father, Nagaon MP Pradyut Bordoloi, joined the ruling BJP.
Pradyut Bordoloi will contest the elections from the Dispur seat in Guwahati. The Congress had fielded his son from the Margherita seat of Upper Assam.
In a letter addressed to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Prateek wrote that following his father’s decision to join another political party, he felt it would not be appropriate for him to continue as a candidate.
“I believe that the people of Margherita and the countless dedicated Congress workers deserve absolute clarity and confidence in the party's candidate. It would be unfair to them if any confusion or perception arises regarding my commitment or the party’s position,” he wrote.
He stated that his decision was guided purely by his respect for the organisation and his desire to uphold the values and discipline of the Congress.
“However, I wish to reiterate that my faith in the ideals of the Congress remains unwavering. I will continue to work for the party and for the development of Margherita in whatever capacity the leadership deems appropriate,” Prateek said.
He added that he has had the privilege of being associated with the Congress from a very young age, and that its ideals always shaped his political thinking and commitment to public life.
“The Congress has given me the platform to serve people and to believe in a vision of inclusive development and secular democracy. I remain grateful to the party leadership for the trust and encouragement extended to me over the years,” he further wrote.
On Wednesday, Bordoloi had told media persons that Prateek would decide his political future. “He has grown up. I told him that I will honour whatever decision he takes,” Bordoloi had stated.
Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi had said that he would talk to Prateek to learn his position. “I will also await the decision of our central leadership on this seat,” he said.