Three Former Congress MLAs Switch to BJP Ahead of Assam Elections

In a notable political shift, three MLAs previously suspended from the Congress party have joined the BJP in Assam. This move comes just before the Assembly elections, reflecting changing allegiances in the state's political landscape. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma welcomed the new members, emphasizing unity within the party. The defections follow other recent changes in party affiliations, significantly impacting the Congress's strength in the Assembly. Read on to discover more about this political realignment and its implications for Assam's future.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 5, 2026, 18:23 IST

Political Shift in Assam

In a significant political development, three MLAs who were previously suspended from the Congress party have officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Assam on Thursday, just ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

The legislators—Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha, Basanta Das, and Sashi Kanta Das—were suspended by the Congress after they expressed their support for the BJP-led government in the state. Sashi Kanta Das faced suspension in 2021, while Purkayastha and Basanta Das were suspended in 2024.

The induction ceremony took place at the BJP's state headquarters in Guwahati, attended by state president Dilip Saikia and other prominent leaders.

Assembly elections in Assam are anticipated to occur in April.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma welcomed the new members, stating that they joined the BJP “unconditionally” and not merely to seek election tickets. However, he noted that there would be no obstacles in pursuing tickets, which would be allocated based on their potential.

Sarma emphasized that all members, whether new or old, are treated equally within the party.

After their transition to the BJP, Purkayastha remarked that their decision was made in the broader interests of Assam and the nation, expressing a commitment to align with the party's policies. He also criticized the Congress for its politics of appeasement, which he believes has weakened the party.

Basanta Das cited the development initiatives led by Sarma as a key factor in his decision, while Sashi Kanta Das praised the chief minister's efforts to foster unity among the state's populace.

This shift follows the recent defection of former Assam Congress president Bhupen Borah to the BJP on February 22. Additionally, Congress MLAs Abdur Rashid Mandal and Sherman Ali Ahmed joined the regional opposition party Raijor Dal on February 16 and 17, respectively.

As a result of these changes, the Congress party, which secured 29 seats in the 2021 Assam Assembly elections, has now seen its strength reduced to 20 MLAs.