sarma-s-home-visit-seals-borah-s-bjp-switch

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma personally visited Bhupen Borah at his residence and spent nearly two hours in a one-on-one meeting before the former Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) chief agreed to quit the Congress and join the BJP.

Borah, who resigned from the party on February 16 after 32 years in its ranks, said his decision stemmed from what he described as sustained humiliation and neglect within the Assam unit of the Congress.

Recounting his grievances, Borah said he had once suffered a nose injury at a public event “bleeding took place in front of Rahul Gandhi”, an incident he said symbolised the disregard he experienced despite decades of loyalty.

About a month before stepping down, Borah wrote to APCC president Gaurav Gogoi warning that he would hold a press conference if the humiliation continued. A copy was also sent to Congress Legislature Party leader Jitendra Singh. He said neither responded.

“I felt I was not needed and resigned,” Borah said, adding that although Rahul Gandhi later spoke to him and invoked their association since 2007, none of the issues raised in his resignation letter were addressed.

Also read: Ex-Assam Cong chief Bhupen Borah quits party

Borah was also critical of the Congress’s internal functioning in Assam, alleging that while Gogoi served as the public face, real control lay elsewhere, naming Dhubri MP Rakibul Hussain as the central power within the state unit.

Detailing his meeting with Sarma, Borah said his first question to the Chief Minister was whether he would be able to retain his identity and principles after switching parties.

“My first question to the CM was, the people of Assam know Bhupen Borah, and you also know him, can he remain what he is if he joins your party?” Borah said. He added that Sarma reassured him that their relationship was one of “family and friendship” and that he would remain the same.

Satisfied with the assurance, Borah said he agreed to join the BJP without placing conditions or bargaining over a seat, stating that once he had made up his mind, he did not want prolonged negotiations.

His defection is being seen as a setback for the Congress in Assam, which has been grappling with factionalism and leadership questions ahead of upcoming political battles in the state.