Guwahati: Former Assam Congress president Bhupen Borah will formally join the BJP on February 22, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Tuesday evening.
Sarma made the announcement at a press conference held at Borah’s residence in the Ghoramara area of Guwahati following a discussion with the former state Congress chief. The Chief Minister had visited Borah’s house earlier in the evening.
“His joining will strengthen the party, particularly because he is a grassroots leader. He will formally join the BJP in the presence of Assam BJP president Dilip Saikia,” Sarma said.
Borah joining the BJP will show that Congress is not a place for Hindus, CM Sarma claimed.
He claimed Bora has struggled for a long time in the Congress party, and he will get a platform in the BJP to do what he wants.
During the visit, Sarma was welcomed at Borah’s residence by his wife and son with a traditional ‘aarti’.
Borah had resigned from the Congress on Monday. However, the party’s top leadership did not accept his resignation and attempted to persuade him to reconsider his decision. Following this, Borah sought time to rethink his move.
Earlier, the Chief Minister had said that the doors of the BJP were open for Borah and assured that he would help him contest from a “safe seat” in the upcoming Assembly elections.