Three Congress MLAs in Assam Defect to BJP Ahead of Crucial Assembly Elections
In a major political development in Assam, three sitting Congress legislators have officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday morning, just ahead of the upcoming assembly polls. This move follows the recent defection of former Congress state president Bhupen Borah to the BJP on February 22, dealing a double blow to the opposition party in the state.
Details of the Defecting MLAs and Their Constituencies
The three MLAs who have switched allegiance to the saffron party are:
- Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha, representing the Karimganj North constituency.
- Sashikanta Das, who serves as the MLA from Raha.
- Basanta Das, the legislator from the Mangaldai (SC) constituency.
Their formal induction into the BJP marks a significant consolidation of power for the ruling party in Assam, as it prepares for the electoral battle.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's Welcome and Comments
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who also holds a key position in the BJP, warmly welcomed the new members. He revealed that these MLAs have been supporting the BJP-led government in the legislative assembly for the past two years. "Today, they have formally joined the party and I welcome them to BJP," Sarma stated.
He attributed their decision to join the BJP to the growing popularity of the party under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Their joining reflects the party's popularity under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi," the Chief Minister emphasized.
Discussion on Candidature and Ticket Allotment
When questioned about the possibility of these new joinees receiving BJP tickets for the upcoming assembly elections, Sarma provided a nuanced response. He confirmed that their names would be included in the panel of potential candidates, but stressed that the final decision regarding ticket allotment rests with the central parliamentary board of the BJP.
"Their names will be in the panel, but the central parliamentary board will take the final decision regarding ticket allotment," Sarma clarified.
He further explained that while it has been discussed with the MLAs that joining the BJP should not be solely for election tickets, there is no barrier to seeking candidature. "However, at the same time there is no hurdle in seeking the same and it will be given on the basis of their prospects. They have joined BJP unconditionally, and there is no difference between new and old members in the party. We are all the same within the party," he added, highlighting the inclusive approach of the BJP.
MLAs' Support for BJP and Motivations Behind the Move
Chief Minister Sarma also pointed out that the three MLAs had openly supported the BJP during the last Lok Sabha elections, indicating a gradual alignment with the party's ideology and policies prior to their formal defection.
One of the defecting MLAs, Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha, expressed his motivation for joining the BJP. He praised the development trajectory of Assam under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi and CM Himanta Biswa Sarma. "Assam is progressing in the path of development under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi and CM Himanta Biswa Sarma. The mindset of the CM to lead the state from the front and protect the land is encouraging. By joining the party, I also want to contribute to the progress of the state," Purkayastha stated.
Recent Setbacks for the Congress Party in Assam
This defection is part of a series of setbacks for the Congress in Assam. Just last month, two other Congress MLAs—Abdul Rashid Mondal from Goalpara (West) and Sherman Ali Ahmed from Baghbar—switched over to the Akhil Gogoi-led Raijor Dal. Both Mondal and Ahmed are three-time legislators, adding to the Congress's woes.
The loss of Bhupen Borah, a former state president, followed by these three MLAs, significantly weakens the Congress's position in Assam as the state gears up for the assembly polls. This political realignment underscores the BJP's strengthening grip in the region and poses challenges for the opposition in mounting an effective electoral campaign.
