Guwahati, Feb 24: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday claimed that no Hindu leader can remain in the Congress party and predicted that remaining Hindu members will eventually join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Speaking to reporters, Sarma said, “Hindu people will not stay in Congress; they must come, today or tomorrow. How can Hindu people stay in Congress? If you see in Rajiv Bhawan, there are 8 Muslim names out of 10, and how can 2 Hindu people stay there?” He added that over time, even Hindu journalists would avoid Congress’ Rajiv Bhawan office.
Sarma also claimed insider knowledge of Congress operations, saying, “Not Bhupen Borah—even I informed him about the inside story of Congress. Congress has a docket with the state election candidate list. Yesterday, they changed the docket. We are receiving the information.”
On the possibility of Congress MLAs joining BJP before assembly elections, he said there are currently no vacancies for tickets. “Our ticket selection process has almost completed. In 80 seats, our names are ready. There is no seat vacancy in our party,” Sarma noted.
He mentioned that an AIUDF MLA from Sonai is expected to join the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and listed expected Congress defectors to BJP, including Kamakhya Dey Purkayastha, Basanta Das, and Shashi Kanta Das, while clarifying there is no tie-up with Congress MLA Rekibuddin Ahmed.
Regarding former Congress leader Bhupen Borah, Sarma stated, “In Bihpuria, we will give a good candidate, and Bhupen Borah’s name will also come for consideration, while he was the MLA of Bihpuria. Our party has already decided where to give the ticket to Bhupen Borah.”
Sarma further outlined BJP’s long-term strategy, revealing that preparations are underway for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, including plans for Congress leaders to join BJP according to a schedule.
On Congress’ opposition alliances, he said, “Congress’ alliance with AJP has almost finalized. They will give seats like Binakandi, Khowang, Barhampur, and Sadiya to AJP, two seats in Karbi Anglong to APHLC, two to CPI(M), and one to CPI(ML). They are yet to finalize seat-sharing with Raijor Dal.”
This statement comes amid rising political activity in Assam as parties gear up for upcoming assembly elections.
