Himanta Biswa hints at alliance with BPF; reveals more opposition MLAs to join BJP soon

KOKRAJHAR: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has stated that there is a possibility of more opposition MLAs joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and also asserted that the BJP has no rivalry with the Bodoland People's Front (BPF) either.

CM Sarma has reached Kokrajhar today, on the occasion of 'World Day Against Trafficking In Persons', and met the parents of 40 children trafficked and subsequently rescued from Sikkim a week ago by a team of Chirang Police.

While speaking with the media persons regarding the upcoming by-polls, Sarma said, "By-polls should ideally take place within six months of resignation filed by the MLAs. Sushanta Borgohain is most likely joining Bharatiya Janata Party on August 2. There are possibilities of two or three more MLAs joining BJP as well."

BJP leader Ranjeet Dass yesterday said that by-polls could be held for as many as 6 Seats.

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Notably, Thowra legislator Sushanta Borgohain is the second MLA from Congress to join BJP after the polls after Mariani legislator Rupjyoti Kurmi's switch earlier. Likewise, Karimganj North MLA Kamalakhya Dey Purakayastha's name is also doing the rounds among sitting MLAs who could switch camps.

On the other hand, AIUDF MLA Phani Talukdar is also being named as a possible defector.

Asked about the possibility of the BJP getting back with BPF, Sarma said, "BPF is not our enemy. But BPF joined the Grand-alliance before going to the polls and we have not held any political discussion since then. But to maintain peace in Bodoland, we are in favor of doing anything."

A rift is being speculated between the BPF and the Congress ever since the results of the election were announced.

Many BPF leaders openly announced their separation from the grand alliance and wish to join the BJP, but BPF chief Hagrama Mahilary is yet to make an official declaration in this regard.

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