Amid rising political speculation in Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on March 17 publicly invited Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), assuring him of both respect and an opportunity to contest the upcoming Assembly elections.
Speaking to reporters, Sarma clarified that he has not personally reached out to Bordoloi but suggested that the Congress leader may no longer have a compelling reason to remain with the Indian National Congress.
“I have not contacted Pradyut Bordoloi, but I feel he does not need to continue in Congress. I invite him to join the BJP and welcome him to the party,” Sarma said, adding that there has been no communication with Bordoloi so far.
The Chief Minister further stated that if Bordoloi joins the BJP, he would be accorded the same respect as senior Assam leader Bhupen Kumar Borah.
Sarma also indicated that the party would be willing to accommodate Bordoloi electorally. “If he joins us, we will ensure he gets the opportunity to contest the Assembly elections and will reserve a seat for him,” he said.
However, Sarma reiterated that Bordoloi has not made any approach to the BJP yet.
The statement has sparked fresh political discussions in Assam, particularly within Congress circles, as the state moves closer to the next Assembly election cycle.