In a seismic shift ahead of Assam’s assembly elections, former Congress state president Bhupen Bora formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday in Guwahati. This high-profile defection is being viewed as a major blow to the opposition and a boost for the ruling party in the crucial electoral battle.
The ceremony, held in the state capital, saw Bora taking BJP membership in the presence of Assam BJP president Dilip Saikia and state minister Jayanta Mallabarua. Senior party leaders and workers gathered to welcome the veteran politician, marking a new chapter in Assam’s dynamic political landscape.
Speaking to reporters after joining, Bora unleashed a scathing attack on Congress. He accused the grand old party of deviating from its core principles and inflicting damage on India’s national honor. ‘I served Congress for 32 years with honesty and dedication. The clothes I’m wearing today are stained with my blood, from events in Rahul Gandhi’s presence,’ he remarked emotionally.
Bora emphasized that Congress has compromised on issues of national pride, a line he refuses to cross. His decision, he clarified, came after deep introspection rather than impulse. ‘The party no longer represents the people’s aspirations or its ideological foundations,’ he stated firmly.
Welcoming Bora, Saikia highlighted his extensive political experience and organizational skills. ‘Bora’s inclusion will strengthen our party structure in Assam and accelerate our efforts to deliver development and good governance to every section of society,’ Saikia affirmed.
Minister Mallabarua echoed the sentiment, pointing to Bora’s move as evidence of growing trust in BJP’s policies. ‘Leaders are flocking to us because they believe in PM Modi’s vision and CM Himanta Biswa Sarma’s development-oriented governance in Assam,’ he added.
This defection underscores the fluid political alliances in Assam as elections approach, with Bora’s stature likely to sway voters in key areas. Analysts predict it could reshape campaign strategies for both parties, intensifying the contest for power.