Ahead of Assam’s high-voltage assembly elections, former Congress heavyweight Bhupen Bora made headlines by joining the BJP in Guwahati on Sunday. Described as a game-changer, his move exposes Congress vulnerabilities and enhances BJP’s electoral arsenal.
Bora received his BJP membership amid fanfare, with state president Dilip Saikia and minister Jayanta Mallabarua presiding. The event drew enthusiastic support from party ranks, highlighting its strategic importance.
In candid remarks to journalists, Bora fired salvos at Congress, alleging it has forsaken its values and compromised national dignity. ‘My 32-year journey in Congress was marked by blood and sweat—even these clothes tell the tale from Rahul Gandhi’s era,’ he shared evocatively. He vowed not to abide by the party’s stance on patriotic issues.
Explaining his choice, Bora noted it stemmed from introspection, as Congress drifts from public expectations and its principles.
Saikia welcomed him warmly: ‘Bora’s political acumen and mobilization prowess will invigorate our organizational framework, advancing development and governance for all Assamese.’
Mallabarua highlighted the broader pattern: ‘Leaders are rallying to BJP, inspired by Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership and Himanta Biswa Sarma’s development-focused governance.’
Bora’s defection injects fresh intrigue into Assam’s polls, where his local clout could tip scales in BJP’s favor. It underscores the relentless political maneuvering, with parties vying fiercely for talent and votes in this northeastern bastion.