Guwahati: Two prominent Congress leaders from Assam, North Karimganj MLA Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha and Mangaldoi MLA Basantha Das, have publicly declared their support for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The move comes as the internal divisions within the Congress party in Assam become more apparent, with speculation surrounding ticket distribution for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
According to a report by IndiaToday NE, Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha, representing North Karimganj, expressed his allegiance to the Assam Chief Minister, stating, “For the development of the greater good of the state, we are with the Assam Chief Minister.” Meanwhile, Basanta Das, the MLA from Mangaldoi, confirmed to te news outlet that he has actively participated in Chief Minister Sarma’s programs in his constituency, highlighting his support for the developmental initiatives undertaken by the BJP-led government.
This development unfolds against the backdrop of a widening rift within the Congress party, particularly regarding the allocation of tickets for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Speculation is rife that veteran Congress leader Pradyut Bordoloi may consider joining the BJP, fueled by rumors of being replaced in the Nagaon Lok Sabha seat by Gaurav Gogoi.
Additional fissures have surfaced within the Congress, with Samaguri MLA Rockybul Hussain and Barpeta MP Abdul Khaleque reportedly at odds over the Dhubri seat’s ticket allocation. The lack of internal communication among the top leaders in the Assam Congress unit has contributed to a state of confusion and heightened distrust, leading to frustration among sitting MPs who fear potential replacements.
Dear Reader,
Every day, our team at EastMojo travels through rain, rough roads, and remote hills to bring you stories that matter – stories from your town, your people, your Northeast.
We do this because we believe in truthful, independent journalism. No big corporate backing, no government pressure – just honest reporting by local journalists who live and breathe the same air you do.
But to keep doing this work, we need you. Your small contribution helps us pay our reporters fairly, reach places others ignore, and keep asking the tough questions.
If you believe the Northeast deserves its own fearless voice, stand with us.
Support independent journalism. Be a Member.
Thank you,
Karma Paljor
Editor-in-Chief, eastmojo.com
Sources indicate that the internal turmoil has created an environment conducive to leaders contemplating switching allegiance to other political parties, particularly the BJP. The Congress has already witnessed several defections to the BJP, with the expulsion of Assam Youth Congress president Angkita Dutta and former MLA Bismita Gogoi on January 28.
Also Read | Nitin Gadkari sanctions Rs 382 crore highway to connect Majuli, Jorhat