Debabrata Saikia dismisses Himanta Biswa Sarma’s claim of possible BJP switch

Senior Indian National Congress leader and former Nazira MLA Debabrata Saikia has dismissed Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s claim that he may eventually join the BJP, calling the speculation “completely baseless.”

In a message addressed to the people of Nazira following the 2026 Assembly election results, Saikia said representing the constituency in the Assam Legislative Assembly for the past 15 years had been the greatest honour of his life. He also denied reports that he had sought a Lok Sabha ticket, terming such claims part of a politically motivated smear campaign.

Accusing the ruling side of spreading false narratives to demoralise Congress workers, Saikia said the party’s morale remained strong. He also congratulated newly elected Nazira MLA Mayur Borgohain and expressed hope that the new representative would work in the interest of the people.

Reaffirming his commitment to public service, Saikia said he would continue serving the people with the same dedication, regardless of whether he holds any official position.

Earlier on May 5, Sarma had reiterated his prediction following Saikia’s defeat in the Nazira Assembly constituency. “I had predicted that Debabrata Saikia will lose this Assembly election and later join BJP. The first part of my prediction has come true. The second may happen later. Five years is a long time,” the Chief Minister said.

Saikia, who served as Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, lost the Nazira seat by more than 46,000 votes to BJP candidate Mayur Borgohain. According to the election results, Borgohain secured 98,198 votes, while Saikia polled 51,497 votes.

The defeat marked a significant setback for Congress in Upper Assam, where Nazira had long been considered one of the party’s strongholds. Saikia is the son of former Assam Chief Minister Hiteswar Saikia and has been active in politics since the late 1970s.