‘No question of joining BJP’: Debabrata Saikia accuses Himanta of spreading 'false political propaganda'

Senior Congress leader and former Leader of the Opposition in the Assam Assembly, Debabrata Saikia, has rejected speculation that he may join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of spreading “false propaganda” and using political tactics ahead of elections.

In a statement, Saikia said rumours about his possible switch to the BJP were being circulated repeatedly before elections in an attempt to mislead the public. He alleged that the Chief Minister was using a social media network and propaganda machinery to promote such claims.

Saikia said he remained committed to the “secular and democratic principles and ideals” of the Indian National Congress and ruled out the possibility of joining the BJP under its current political approach.

He said he would not consider joining the BJP unless the party changed what he described as its “communal politics”. Saikia also referred to the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi and the role of former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in nation-building while explaining his position.

“There is no question whatsoever of joining the BJP,” Saikia said, adding that his political commitment remained with the Congress.

The Congress leader also accused the BJP of using intimidation tactics against political leaders who join the party. He said his political record since 2016 demonstrated his commitment to raising issues concerning the people of Assam.

“As I was the Leader of the Opposition, I have been fighting relentlessly from the Legislative Assembly to the courts for the rights, concerns, and justice of the people of Assam,” Saikia said.

Saikia further alleged that rumours and political pressure would not alter his position. He said he would continue to oppose what he termed the “misrule” of the BJP-led government in Assam.