Guwahati, Feb 18: Former Assam Pradesh Congress Committee chief Bhupen Kumar Borah has said that Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma personally visited his residence and held a nearly two-hour one-on-one discussion before he decided to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Borah, who resigned from the Indian National Congress on February 16 after years of leading the party in Assam, described the Chief Minister’s approach as warm and personal. He said his first concern was whether he would be able to retain his identity and principles after switching sides.
“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. According to him, Sarma responded by assuring that their relationship was rooted in family-like bonds and friendship, and that things could remain unchanged.
Borah said he was satisfied with the assurance. “I then said, alright, I am also with you. Whatever principles you decide, I will agree with them,” he stated, adding that once he resolved to support the BJP, he did not wish to impose conditions or prolong discussions over electoral considerations.
He further disclosed that the Chief Minister suggested he meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his upcoming visit to Assam, a proposal Borah said he accepted without hesitation.
Borah’s defection is being viewed as a significant setback for the Assam Congress, which has been grappling with internal discord and leadership challenges. His exit follows weeks of public criticism directed at APCC president Gaurav Gogoi, with Borah alleging persistent humiliation within the party prior to his resignation.
