'Several Congress leaders willing to join BJP': Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma after Pradyut Bordoloi's exit

New Delhi: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has planned an electoral blitzkrieg in the coming days. This includes four rallies by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, three by the Home Minister Amit Shah, as well as a massive rally preceding his own nominations in the Jalukbari constituency on March 20.

Speaking to reporters at the Parliament, Sarma said that Pradyut Bordoloi is not the only exit from the Opposition Congress, but more prominent names will soon jump ship.  

“There are several Congress leaders willing to come to us, including a big name in the state leadership. But for now, our focus is on winning these polls,” the chief minister said.

“As far as Pradyut Bordoloi is concerned, he is contesting from a safe seat," he added.

Sarma said Modi is expected to address three rallies in Assam during the last leg of campaigning.

“The tentative dates for the PM’s rally are April 1, 3 and 6. We have given a list of names for the home minister and he is expected to campaign in six regions with four rallies; decisions are yet to be finalised,” he added. 

The chief minister has left no stone unturned to ensure that Assam remains a BJP state; he started ground campaigns from February 25 and was chalking out ticket distribution deliberations with the BJP leadership late Wednesday evening as the party’s CEC convened. He added that around 10-12 candidates are expected to be dropped. 

BJP’s will contest 89 seats, while its longtime ally Asom Gana Parishad will field candidates in 26 constituencies.

The Bodoland People's Front will contest in 11 seats. “The UPPL will contest in 15 seats against us, but are informally a part of the larger NDA umbrella,” Himanta said. 

Pradyut Bordoloi’s exit from the Congress was the second big exit in the last few weeks. Earlier, former Congress Assam president Bhupen Borah joined the the rival party.

Bordoloi and Sarma were colleagues in the Gogoi Cabinet, but were rivals at one point of time. 

The BJP had contested on 93 seats in 2021, winning 60 seats in the 126 member assembly. The NDA had won 75 seats as opposed to the Opposition’s 50 seats.

Voting in Assam will take place in one phase on April 9, with results being declared on May 4.