One more Congress legislator in Assam is likely to quit the party and join the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Congress MLA of Raha assembly constituency, Sashi Kanta Das, on December 20 met Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and expressed his “desire to work with the state government” and the ruling party.
The Assam chief minister said that, however the Congress MLA will not join BJP immediately and he will “work very closely” with the ruling party.
“Congress MLA of Raha constituency Sashi Kanta Das met me today and expressed his willingness to work very closely with the government. So, I had consulted with the party president Bhabesh Kalita today and after that consultation we have also decided to work closely with the MLA of Raha constituency. For all practical purpose he will work very closely with our government,” Himanta Biswa Sarma said.
Moved by PM Sri @narendramodi's vision of development, Hon MLA of Raha of @INCIndia Sri Sashi Kanta Das has pledged his commitment to support Assam Govt politically. This is exemplary and will strengthen governance. I & BJP Assam President @Bhabesh_KalitaR hail this decision. pic.twitter.com/IqrxCLp8jG
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) December 20, 2021
The Assam chief minister also said that, if he is working closely with the government, then next will be obviously that some point of time definitely he will also join the party he opted for.
“He (Raha MLA) said that, he is absolutely happy with the performance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and need his blessings and want to work very closely with the state government. About joining the political party, there are some processes which will take place. But as of now he will sit with us, eat with us and drink with us,” Himanta Biswa Sarma said.
CM Himanta Biswa Sarma further said that, at least 6-7 more opposition MLAs are in touch with BJP.
Earlier, two Congress MLAs – Rupjyoti Kurmi and Sushanta Borgohain – and AIUDF MLA Phanidhar Talukdar had quit the parties and joined BJP. They were elected again to the Assam assembly on BJP tickets in recently-held byelections.
