Assam Chief Minister Announces Major Political Shift as Former Congress Chief Joins BJP
In a significant political development, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma revealed on Tuesday that former state Congress president Bhupen Borah will officially join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on February 22. The announcement followed a meeting between Sarma and Borah at the chief minister's residence in Guwahati earlier in the evening.
Details of the Political Transition
Addressing reporters after the meeting, Chief Minister Sarma provided specific details about the upcoming political realignment. "Bhupen Borah will join BJP on 22nd February," Sarma confirmed. "Dilip Saikia will work out the details. Along with him, a good number of Congress leaders will join the BJP in Guwahati and North Lakhimpur."
The chief minister described Borah as "the last recognised Hindu leader in Congress" and emphasized that the BJP's national leadership had already approved his induction into the party. "Our National President Nitin Nabin has already approved his joining and welcomes him," Sarma stated. "Bhupen Borah will be accorded all due respect and dignity."
A 'Homecoming' for Borah
Characterizing the move as a natural transition, Sarma called Borah's impending BJP membership a "homecoming." The chief minister elaborated, "Joining the BJP will be like a homecoming for him because it is a party with many people like him, whose fathers did not occupy any high offices."
This statement highlights the BJP's positioning as a party that welcomes leaders from diverse backgrounds, particularly those without established political dynasties in their families.
Broader Implications for Assam Politics
The announcement signals a continuing trend of political realignment in Assam, where several Congress leaders have switched allegiance to the BJP in recent years. Borah's departure from Congress represents a significant blow to the opposition party's organizational structure in the state.
The planned induction ceremony on February 22 is expected to be a notable event in Assam's political calendar, potentially drawing attention from national political observers. The simultaneous joining of other Congress leaders in Guwahati and North Lakhimpur suggests a coordinated effort to strengthen the BJP's grassroots presence across multiple regions of Assam.
Political analysts will be watching closely to see how this development affects the balance of power in Assam, particularly as the state prepares for future electoral contests. The BJP's continued ability to attract established political figures from rival parties demonstrates its growing dominance in the region's political landscape.
