Rumors and denial of joining BJP party of the recent Assam Pradesh Congress party president Bhupen Kumar Borah, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, on Tuesday, confirmed that former (APCC) president Bhupen Kumar Borah is set to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on February 22.
Stating that a formal induction ceremony will be held on the day and hinted that several other Congress leaders are likely to follow. A major political development ahead of the Assam Assembly elections.
Speaking to the press after his much talked-about meeting with Borah at the latter’s Ghoramara residence, Sarma said, “I am very happy to share that Bhupen Borah will formally join the BJP on February 22. A joining ceremony will be organized, and there will also be a public programme in Lakhimpur. Along with him, more Congress leaders are likely to join the BJP.”
He further added that Borah had arrived at the decision the previous day. “Yesterday, I had a detailed discussion with Borah regarding his decision. Today, I also spoke with some other Congress leaders whom I have known for years. I will meet Borah personally again tomorrow,” Sarma said.
He upholds the former APCC President as a leader who had been working for the Assamese people in the Congress and a leader working for the larger interest of the people of the state, His switch of parties is not be driven by electoral ambition rather a deeply anguished by the situation in his former party is the main reason behind his decision,” he said.
Borah may contest the upcoming election from Jalukbari However, that will be decided by the party and the public Sharma added. This development can be seen as a significant setback for the Congress in Assam, where Borah has been one of the prominent faces in recent years.
His possible switch, along with other leaders, could reshape the political landscape in the run-up to the Assembly polls, especially in Upper Assam. Meanwhile, the Congress is yet to officially respond to the development, but party insiders indicated that discussions are underway at the state and central levels.