Tezpur: Ahead of the polls, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma engaged in verbal sparring, suggesting that while the future of Rahul Gandhi is ‘dark’, that of his followers is “darker.”
Sarma, a regular baiter of the ex-Congress chief, said, “Those who love Modi and want Bharat to be a ‘vishwa guru’ will vote for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Those who believe in Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, know that their future is dark. His future is also dark, but his followers’ is darker.”
Sarma claimed that Congress’ state president Bhupen Borah will join the BJP by early next year. “I can say that by January-February 2025, Bhupen Borah will join the BJP. I have kept two constituencies ready for him, though won’t name those now,” he added.
Meanwhile, while addressing a press conference on Tuesday, at Jorhat, Borah trashed Sarma’s claims and said, “I want to ask, why should I join the BJP? If I join, will the six communities demanding Scheduled Tribe status for years get it? Will new jobs be created? Will landless indigenous families get land rights?” Borah asked on Tuesday.
“The CM is playing mind games. Whenever we talk about burning issues, he tries to divert attention as he has no solutions. But the Congress will not fall into the trap of such mind games”, the state Congress chief added.
Sarma, became a BJP leader in September 2015 and Assam CM in May 2021.
Speaking to reporters, Sarma said in the last one and a half month, people have seen a big erosion of Congress as many leaders, workers joined the BJP and Asom Gana Parishad (AGP). “I believe that there will be no Congress party in Assam by 2026. I don’t want to comment on Bharat Narah, because I am not in touch with him. But I believe that there will be no more of the Congress party in Assam by 2026, they will survive only in some small pockets.”
The 55-year-old politician termed Congress as a “fixed deposit” of the BJP, claiming that “whenever needed, we bring them in”.
“Except for a few ‘blue-blooded’ few ones, the rest are all ours,” he added.
Sarma further claimed, “The one who is contesting here (Sonitpur) will join us instantly if I call, but I will call after election. We don’t want them to withdraw nomination as we have to show Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji the support of the people.
“Hanuman showed his love by tearing apart his chest. In Kalyug, we have to show the love through votes,” Sarma said.
Currently the saffron party along with its allies hold 18 out of the 25 parliamentary seats in northeast, including 11 out of 14 in Assam. The state will vote on April 19, 26, and May 7, the first three legs of the seven-phase nationwide polling in the upcoming general elections.
