Election looming, Congress leaders look to join BJP in Assam

GUWAHATI: With assembly polls nearing, a large number of Congress leaders are making a bid to join ruling BJP in Assam.

Former minister, Ajanta Neog recently met Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal and this has fueled speculations that she is joining BJP.

Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) stated Neog was removed from the post of District Congress Committee President of Golaghat with immediate effect. "This has the approval of All India Congress Committee," the two-line order said without giving any reason for the action.


A senior BJP leader, who does not want to be named, “A number of leaders will join BJP. This may take place during the Union Home minister, Amit Shah’s visit to Assam on December 26. Other prominent congress leaders who may join BJP include Lakhipur MLA Rajdeep Goala.” Rajdeep was expelled from congress in October last.

APCC president, Ripun Bora said that exit of leaders do not affect the party. "If Ajanta Neog had been with the Congress on the basis of principle and ideology, then she would not have acted this way.”

Assam finance Himanta Biswa Sarma said that there are several people from congress who keep on meeting. “This does not mean one is joining BJP.”