Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has asserted that state Congress president Bhupen Kumar Borah will switch sides and join the BJP by early next year.
Sarma made the announcement during a media interaction at the residence of the BJP's Sonitpur constituency candidate, Ranjit Dutta, on Monday evening.
He also hinted at earmarking two constituencies for Borah's potential entry into the saffron party but refrained from disclosing their names.
Referring to the Congress as a 'fixed deposit' of the BJP, Sarma insinuated that the ruling party readily absorbs members from the opposition when required.
He asserted, "Except for a few 'blue-blooded' individuals, the rest are all ours."
Further elaborating on the political landscape, Sarma contended that voting for Congress equated to supporting Rahul Gandhi, while voting for BJP signified support for Narendra Modi.
He claimed, "Those who aspire for India to become a 'vishwa guru' and admire Modi's leadership will vote for BJP."
In response to Sarma's assertions, Bhupen Kumar Borah addressed the media in Jorhat, dismissing the CM's claims as mere 'mind games' intended to deflect attention from substantive issues.
Borah questioned the rationale behind joining BJP, highlighting concerns related to the fulfillment of promises regarding Scheduled Tribe status for six communities, job creation, and land rights for indigenous families.
"I want to ask, why should I join the BJP? If I join, will the six communities demanding Scheduled Tribe status for years get it? Will new jobs be created? Will landless indigenous families get land rights?” Borah asked.
"The CM is playing mind games. Whenever we talk about burning issues, he tries to divert attention as he has no solutions. But the Congress will not fall into the trap of such mind games", the state Congress chief added.
The Congress has nominated Premlal Ganju, a state party general secretary, to contest against incumbent MLA Ranjit Dutta, who represents the BJP.
The constituency is scheduled to go to polls in the first phase on April 19.
With BJP contesting in 11 out of 14 seats in Assam, leaving two for AGP and one for United People's Party Liberal (UPPL), the electoral dynamics in the state continue to evolve.
The saffron party, bolstered by its nine MPs from the state in the outgoing Lok Sabha, remains a formidable force heading into the upcoming elections.
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