The Congress is “missing” Ripun Bora this election.

In fact, most Congress insiders reluctantly admit that “missing” is an understatement.

But what is it that the ruling Congress is missing? Why is a suspended party leader even being remembered? Very few mentioned Bora following his fall from grace after being arrested and jailed for allegedly bribing the CBI to hush up the Daniel Topno murder case in July 2008.

But election time is different. 

Bora is a rally specialist, a coherent orator, a strategist, a mobiliser of men and funds — qualities that any party leadership would covet.

Nobody, however, is ready to admit it in as many words. 

A guarded Assam PCC spokesman, Haren Das, said: “Since he is not here, why discuss him? He would have been an asset had he been around as he could have helped prepare the manifesto, finalise strategy, organise rallies. But we are not a one-man party.”

Bihpuria MLA and key PCC member Bhupen Bora, however, had a few words of praise for Ripun Bora. “He was an all-rounder. He was comfortable with both the crowd and the media,” he said.

Bora, however, wants to stay away from electioneering. “I have nothing much to do as I remain suspended. I have taken it in my stride. I am trying to cope with the events that have unfolded in my life and my court case,” the Gohpur MLA said.