Guwahati, 22 February (HS): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday described the induction of former Assam Congress president Bhupen Kumar Borah into the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as the beginning of a new political chapter in the state.

Speaking to reporters in Guwahati, Sarma acknowledged Borah’s three-decade-long association with the Congress party and lauded his contributions during that period. “Bhupen Kumar Borah contributed a lot to the Congress party. He served in the Congress party for 32 years. From today, he will start a new political journey. I extend my best wishes to him,” the Chief Minister said.

Borah formally joined the BJP in the presence of State BJP president Dilip Saikia and party MP Baijayant Panda, ahead of the forthcoming Assembly elections in Assam.

Earlier, Sarma had indicated that Borah would switch sides after resigning from the Congress. Reflecting on his political career, Borah stated that he had devoted 32 years to the party, rising from an MLA to the president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee.

He also cited internal differences within the Congress, referring to discussions involving party leader Gaurav Gogoi and senior leader Rakibul Hussain. Borah claimed he felt humiliated during internal deliberations and said that despite conveying his concerns to Rahul Gandhi, he did not receive any response.

Appointed as APCC president in 2021 when the Congress was allied with the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), Borah later ended the partnership. He further stated that prior to the formation of the INDIA bloc, he had initiated efforts to build alliances with 16 parties across Assam.

Borah’s move to the BJP is being viewed as politically significant, coming months before the state heads into Assembly elections.---------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash