Guwahati, 11th November: In a significant boost for the Assam BJP unit in anticipation of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, two prominent Congress leaders, Suresh Borah and Poritush Roy, switched allegiance, joining the saffron party. The ceremony held at the BJP state headquarters in Guwahati witnessed not only Congress defections but also the inclusion of Trinamool Congress leader Dilip Kumar Sharma.
Assam BJP president Bhabesh Kalita, accompanied by ministers Pijush Hazarika and Ranoj Pegu, welcomed the new members. Kalita hinted at more defections, stating, “The unsatisfied leaders in the Congress party are keeping in touch with us. More storm is yet to hit the Congress.”
Responding to the exits, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Bhupen Borah acknowledged the momentary setback for the party. He assured quick action in appointing a new president for the Nagaon unit and highlighted the Congress’s ongoing commitment to the people amid challenging circumstances.
Suresh Borah, a key figure in the Barhampur Assembly Constituency, resigned from the Congress on November 10 and formally joined the BJP after meeting Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. His departure poses challenges for the Congress in maintaining its foothold in the region.
Poritush Roy, who cited ‘family-centric politics’ for his resignation on November 11, joined the BJP alongside Borah. Their shift comes amidst Congress’s organizational efforts, with Bhupen Borah submitting preferred constituencies to the party high command, initiating a democratic process for party members’ input post-December 3.