Three Suspended Congress MLAs Join BJP in Guwahati
Three suspended legislators of the Indian National Congress formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Guwahati on March 5, marking a notable political development ahead of the upcoming Assam Assembly elections.
The induction of Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha, Basant Das, and Sashi Kanta Das took place at the BJP’s state headquarters, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Bhawan, in the presence of Assam BJP president Dilip Saikia and other party leaders.
Three suspended Congress legislators—Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha, Basant Das, and Sashi Kanta Das—joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in Guwahati on March 5. The induction ceremony took place at the BJP’s state headquarters, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Bhawan, in the presence of Assam BJP president Dilip Saikia.
Induction Ceremony Held at BJP State Headquarters
The joining ceremony was organised at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Bhawan in Guwahati, the central hub for the BJP’s political activities in Assam.
Party leaders welcomed the three legislators into the BJP during the event, which was attended by senior party members and supporters.
Political developments in Guwahati often set the tone for state-level electoral dynamics, especially in the run-up to Assembly elections.
Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha Explains His Decision
Speaking after joining the BJP, Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha said the decision was guided by what he described as the larger interest of Assam and the nation.
He stated that the three leaders had decided to align with the BJP in order to support the party’s policies and contribute to development-oriented governance in the state.
Purkayastha also criticised his former party, alleging that the Congress had weakened itself through what he termed “appeasement politics.”
He added that unless Congress revises its ideological direction, it risks losing political relevance in the future.
Basant Das Highlights Development Initiatives
Former Congress legislator Basant Das said his decision to switch parties was influenced by the development initiatives undertaken under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s leadership.
According to Das, several infrastructure and development projects launched during Sarma’s tenure have benefited his constituency.
He said he hopes to continue working toward further development by being part of the BJP.
Sashi Kanta Das Echoes Similar Views
Sashi Kanta Das, the third legislator to join the BJP, also cited the current state government’s policies as a factor behind his decision.
He said he was influenced by what he described as efforts by the state leadership to promote unity among different communities in Assam.
Das also remarked that the Congress had deviated from the principles it once followed during the era of Mahatma Gandhi.
Political Implications Ahead of Elections
The induction of the three leaders is seen as part of ongoing political shifts in Assam ahead of the 2026 Assam Legislative Assembly elections.
During the event, Sashi Kanta Das also referred to controversies surrounding Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, claiming the party may struggle to secure even the position of the principal opposition in the upcoming elections.
He predicted that the BJP would return to power in the state.
What Happens Next
With elections approaching, political parties in Assam are expected to continue announcing new alliances, candidate lists, and organisational changes.
Guwahati, as the political nerve centre of the state, is likely to remain the focal point for such developments in the coming months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Congress leaders joined the BJP in Guwahati?
Three suspended Congress legislators—Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha, Basant Das, and Sashi Kanta Das—joined the BJP in Guwahati on March 5.
Where did the joining ceremony take place?
The induction ceremony was held at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Bhawan, the BJP’s state headquarters in Guwahati.