Former Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Bhupen Kumar Borah, who quit the Congress, will join the Bharatiya Janata Party on February 22.
This was announced by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma following a crucial meeting at Borah’s Ghoramara residence on Tuesday.
Speaking to media persons, CM Sarma said, “Bhupen Borah has decided to not withdraw his resignation and after our discussion, he has decided to join the BJP.”
Sarma added that Assam BJP president Dilip Saikia will finalise the joining formalities and claimed several Congress leaders from Guwahati and North Lakhimpur are also set to switch sides.
“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 asserted.
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He further stated that BJP national president Nitin Nabin has approved Borah’s induction, asserting that the move reflects BJP’s inclusivity and could reshape Assam’s political landscape ahead of the elections.
“He is the last recognised Hindu leader in Congress. Our National President, Nitin Nabin, has already approved his joining and welcomes him. Bhupen Borah will be accorded all due respect and dignity. 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,” CM Sarma added.
Bhupen Borah was asked to take time and rethink his decision to quit the party he has served for decades. The meeting, where Borah’s family welcomed Sarma with a traditional aarti, intensified political speculation, especially after Sarma reiterated that the BJP’s doors remain open and hinted at a safe Assembly seat for Borah.
Despite attempts by the Congress high command to persuade him to reconsider, internal deliberations failed to reverse his decision, marking a significant setback for the party amid leadership challenges.
Borah’s exit is expected to reshape Assam’s political landscape ahead of the Assembly elections and strengthen the BJP’s consolidation strategy in the state.
