In a surprising political turnaround, Anil Bania — previously arrested in Biswanath for allegedly sharing pro-Pakistan content related to the Pahalgam incident — formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on 26 November. His induction into the party marks a notable shift from his earlier stance, which had drawn police action and public criticism.
Bania was arrested on 25 April during a statewide crackdown on individuals accused of circulating anti-national messages on social media. At the time of his arrest by Behali Police in Biswanath district, he served as the Central Assistant Secretary of the Chhatra Mukti Sangram Samiti, and was publicly named by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in a social media post highlighting the police operation.
His social media accounts had carried multiple posts critical of the Chief Minister, including one remarking that Sarma was born on a day associated with “telling lies”, questioning whether he would “ever speak the truth” to the people. The comments contributed to the police action taken against him and drew widespread attention.
On Tuesday, Bania appeared in saffron attire as he joined the BJP in the presence of state party president Dilip Saikia and Urban Affairs Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah. His induction comes months after his arrest was cited by the Chief Minister as part of Assam Police’s intensified efforts to curb anti-national sentiment on digital platforms.
The development signals a major political realignment for Bania, who has transitioned from a student leader accused of promoting objectionable content to a new member of the ruling party.
