Amit Shah Remembers Golap Borbora’s 19-Month Imprisonment During Emergency

On August 29, Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid glowing tributes to Golap Borbora, Assam’s first non-Congress Chief Minister, during the celebrations of his birth centenary. Shah hailed Borbora’s tenure, though brief, as a defining chapter in Assam’s political and social history, marked by pathbreaking reforms, personal sacrifices, and a legacy of people-centric governance.

Shah described Borbora’s election as Assam’s first non-Congress Chief Minister in 1978 as a historic milestone that ushered in a significant shift in the state’s political landscape. Until then, post-independence Assam had only seen Congress-led governments, despite the political upheavals and mistakes of the era. Borbora’s ascension symbolized the beginning of a new era of democratic participation and political diversity. According to Shah, his tenure demonstrated that governance could transcend entrenched political monopolies, and Borbora etched an “indelible mark” in Assam’s history.

The Home Minister emphasized Borbora’s sacrifices during the Emergency (1975–1977), imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, which remains one of the most controversial periods in Indian democracy. Shah recalled that Borbora was the first leader in Assam to be imprisoned during the Emergency and the last to be released, enduring a full 19 months in jail. This personal ordeal, Shah noted, showcased Borbora’s courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to democratic ideals, even under authoritarian suppression. His imprisonment became a testament to his dedication to safeguarding democratic rights and liberties.

Equally significant, Shah highlighted Borbora’s progressive vision for education, which he considered one of his greatest contributions to Assam. For the first time in the state’s history, Borbora introduced free education up to the 10th standard. This landmark reform ensured that even children from the poorest households could access basic education, breaking barriers of inequality and opening doors of opportunity for thousands of families. In addition to policy reforms, Borbora’s government also spearheaded the establishment of more than 200 educational institutions within a year, dramatically expanding Assam’s academic infrastructure and laying the foundation for long-term educational development. Shah emphasized that such reforms reflected Borbora’s dedication to social welfare and his belief in empowering the marginalized through education.

Amit Shah also used the occasion to underline the BJP-led Assam government’s efforts to honor leaders outside the Congress fold, particularly those overlooked by mainstream political narratives. He praised Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his government for carrying forward this vision by recognizing Borbora’s legacy and ensuring that his contributions receive their rightful place in history. Shah criticized past tendencies to focus primarily on the Indira Gandhi family, neglecting the contributions of other leaders across India’s vast and diverse political spectrum. He asserted that in a country as large and culturally varied as India, numerous leaders have played pivotal roles in shaping progress, yet many were denied recognition or platforms to share their legacy. Today, under the BJP’s governance, Shah said, those contributions are being duly acknowledged.

In conclusion, Shah’s address portrayed Golap Borbora as a pioneering leader whose sacrifices, reforms, and vision continue to inspire. From challenging political monopolies to expanding education and enduring personal suffering for democracy, Borbora’s legacy remains a cornerstone of Assam’s modern history. Shah’s remarks also positioned the BJP as a party committed to honoring forgotten leaders and building an inclusive narrative of India’s progress.