Guwahati. A big upheaval can be seen in the politics of Assam. After the resignation of Bhupen Bora, the discussion about his joining Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has intensified. State Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has claimed that Bora can join BJP on February 22 and many other Congress leaders can also join the party along with him.
Resignation, appeasement and now a new political turn
On Monday, Bora resigned from the Indian National Congress. Later, on the request of the party leadership, he said that he would reconsider his decision. It was told that Rahul Gandhi had also tried to convince him, but now the possibility of him joining BJP has increased the stir in political circles.
Himanta Sarma said – “This is a homecoming for them”
Chief Minister Sarma said that the party leadership has approved his possible joining and he will be welcomed in the BJP. Describing it as a “homecoming”, he said that BJP does not believe in dynastic politics but in worker-based politics.
Sarma had recently also reached Bora’s residence in Ghoramara, Guwahati, where he was given a family welcome. He had earlier also indicated that BJP’s doors were open for Bora.
Discussion with supporters before taking final decision
Speaking to reporters during the day, Bora said that he will discuss with his supporters and the people of Lakhimpur before taking the final decision.
He made a veiled attack on some leaders within the Congress by saying that he “can stay in APCC, but not in APCC(R)”, which is politically believed to be a comment on Dhubri MP Rakibul Hussain.
Ticket dispute and old differences also became the reason
Bora alleged that senior leaders had suggested his name in the Samaguri Assembly by-election, but he was not given the ticket.
After this seat became vacant, Rakibul Hussain’s son was fielded as the candidate, who had to face defeat from the BJP candidate.
Also expressed displeasure on AIUDF alliance
Bora had opposed the Congress’s alliance with the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) during the 2021 assembly elections.
He said that he had expressed his objection to this decision by writing letters to the party leadership several times. The alliance later broke and Rakibul Hussain defeated AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal by a large margin in the Lok Sabha elections.
Bhupen Bora’s next step can decide the direction of Assam politics. If he joins BJP, it will be considered a big blow to Congress and an important realignment in the politics of the state. At present, everyone’s eyes are fixed on his final decision.