In a jolt to Congress, MLA of Raha Sashi Kanta Das pledges commitment to support BJP-led Assam government

What may come as another jolt to Congress, MLA of Raha Sashi Kanta Das has pledged his commitment to support BJP led Assam Government politically.

He met chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday fuelling speculations that he may join BJP.

Sarma tweeted, “Moved by PM Sri @narendramodi's vision of development, Hon MLA of Raha of @INCIndia Sri Sashi Kanta Das has pledged his commitment to support Assam Govt politically. This is exemplary and will strengthen governance. I & BJP Assam President @Bhabesh_KalitaR hail this decision”.


Talking to media persons, Sarma said, “Das will remain in Congress and support BJP. There are different templates. He will maintain relations with BJP MLAs.”

Das after meeting Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday said that the Chief Minister is very positive on various developmental issues. “I have known Sarma, since his Congress' days. He is a dynamic leader,” the Congress MLA said.

He said that he met the Chief Minister over certain development projects related to his constituency and he was still a member of the Congress.

“Meeting the CM of the state does not mean I will join the BJP. I met him because I want development in my constituency,” the Congress legislator said.

Assam Pradesh Congress Committee has issued show cause to Das asking him to clarify his position within 24 hours.

Recently Congress MLA from Mariani, Rupjyoti Kurmi resigned from the party and joined BJP, Congress leader Sushanta Borgohain in Assam joined BJP. Thowra MLA Borgohain resigned from the assembly. Phanidhar Talukdar left the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF).

Kurmi, Borgohain and Talukdar had contested the October 30 by-elections on BJP tickets and won their respective assembly seats.

Bye polls are likely to be held for Majuli after Union Minister and former Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal resigned from the house following his election to the Rajya Sabha.

Congress in this year’s assembly polls won 29 seats, All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) won 14 seats. BJP has increased its seat from 60 to 62.