Assam CM Outlines BJP's Strategic Outreach to Congress Leaders
Guwahati: In a significant political development, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma declared on Wednesday that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Assam is actively pursuing a mission to bring all "good people" from the Congress party into its fold. This initiative, he emphasized, is being conducted under the direct guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and represents a deliberate, ongoing strategy aimed at securing a better future for both the party and the state.
Systematic Recruitment Under Central Leadership
Speaking to the media at a function in New Delhi where former Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi formally joined the BJP, Sarma characterized this effort as an "outreach programme" that is being executed systematically. "This is an ongoing programme for Assam BJP," Sarma stated. "We want to bring all good leaders from Congress into BJP for the better future of the party and the state."
The Chief Minister asserted that there is "no atmosphere" left in the Congress for right-thinking individuals, predicting that prominent leaders such as Debabrata Saikia, the Leader of Opposition, and Ripun Bora will also exit the party following the elections. "No one with self-respect can stay in Congress now," Sarma declared firmly.
Historical Context and Achievements
Sarma highlighted that this recruitment drive began in 2016 and has already achieved remarkable success, with approximately 99 percent of the target accomplished. He pointed to his own defection from the Congress in 2015 as a catalyst that triggered a wave of crossovers starting the following year. Since then, 17 leaders from the Congress and the Bodoland People's Front (BPF) have switched allegiance to the BJP, significantly reshaping Assam's political landscape.
Recent high-profile defections include former Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Bhupen Borah, who joined the BJP in February, and Nagaon MP Pradyut Bordoloi, who became the latest entrant this week. Sarma also revealed that another senior Congress leader, Nabajyoti Talukdar, is expected to join the BJP in Guwahati within "two or three days."
Broader Implications for Assam's Political Future
Elaborating on the rationale behind this aggressive outreach, Sarma framed it within the context of Assam's unique challenges. "Assam is a state where we have had to fight a war for existence," he explained. "After the census, our fight to secure the Assamese people will intensify. I don't want any right-thinking Assamese people to be on the other side of the fence."
The Chief Minister made it clear that the BJP's objective is not to see the Congress party cease to exist entirely, but rather to prevent it from becoming a hub for elements perceived as anti-Assam. "We don't want it to become an adda of anti-Assam people," Sarma remarked, underscoring the party's commitment to safeguarding regional interests.
Inclusive Approach and Ideological Considerations
In a noteworthy observation, Sarma claimed that even Muslim leaders within the Congress are "feeling suffocated" and would be willing to join the BJP if the party were to open its doors, were it not for ideological barriers. This statement hints at the potential for broader political realignments beyond traditional party lines, reflecting the BJP's ambition to consolidate a diverse support base in the state.
Through this comprehensive outreach, the BJP under Sarma's leadership aims to strengthen its organizational structure and ideological coherence, positioning itself as the sole viable political force for Assam's development and security. The ongoing defections signal a deepening political transformation that could have lasting implications for the state's governance and electoral dynamics.
