Pathsala: In a significant political shift, former MLA of Assam’s Nalbari Assembly constituency, Ashok Sarma, joined the Congress party on Friday, marking a new chapter in his political career.
Sarma, who resigned from the BJP a week ago, cited dissatisfaction with the state leadership’s functioning as the reason for his departure.
Ashok Sarma was welcomed into the Congress fold in Nalbari in the presence of prominent leaders, including Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi, Assam Congress chief Bhupen Kumar Borah, and other key figures such as Jakir Hussain Sikdar, Rekibuddin Ahmed, and Dip Bayan.
Several other Congress leaders, including Pradyut Kumar Bhuyan and Congress national secretary Prithviraj Sathe, were also present.
The former legislator had earlier accused a faction within the BJP of mistreating him. He alleged that senior party leaders who had significantly contributed to the BJP’s growth in Assam were sidelined under the current regime.
Sarma was elected as an MLA from the Nalbari seat in 2016. However, in the subsequent 2021 Assembly elections, he was denied a ticket, with the BJP opting to field Jayanta Mallabaruah, a close associate of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Jayanta Mallabaruah now serves as a Cabinet minister holding key portfolios.
Commenting on Sarma’s induction, Prithviraj Sathe, said, “This is just the beginning. We stand firmly with Ashok Sarma, and the people will witness surprising developments in the future. We need leaders like Ashok Sarma.”
Gaurav Gogoi added, “If Congress comes to power in 2026, Himanta Biswa Sarma might be the first to rejoin Congress. The people of Nalbari, like those of Jorhat, will teach the BJP a lesson in the upcoming elections. Many BJP leaders are likely to join Congress soon, with the district Congress’s approval.”
Bhupen Borah also welcomed Ashok Sarma into the Congress party, stating, “Many senior BJP leaders have been disrespected under the current leadership, and Ashok Sarma is among them. The Congress party will ensure they receive the respect and responsibilities they deserve.”