Ashok Sarma, a former MLA from Assam’s Nalbari Assembly segment, has announced his departure from the BJP and is expected to join the Congress party within a week. Sarma, who had a longstanding association with the BJP, has cited repeated disrespect from party members and a lack of support from the state BJP leadership as reasons for his exit. His transition to Congress is anticipated to be formalized soon, with local party units set to make the final decision.
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- Ashok Sarma, former MLA of Assam’s Nalbari, has left the BJP and plans to join Congress.
- Sarma had a 30-year association with the BJP and was a dedicated RSS Swayamsevak.
- He won the Assembly seat in 2016 but was denied a ticket in 2021; Jayanta Mallabaruah, a close associate of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, was chosen instead.
- Mallabaruah was later appointed as a minister in the Sarma-led Cabinet.
- Sarma accused Mallabaruah of repeatedly insulting him over the past few years.
- Despite not receiving a ticket, Sarma claimed he remained loyal to the BJP and sought respect from Mallabaruah.
- Sarma alleged that his complaints to state BJP President Bhabesh Kalita went unaddressed, leaving him with no choice but to leave the party.
- BJP President Bhabesh Kalita expressed skepticism about Sarma’s loyalty and dismissed concerns about the impact of his departure.
- Congress state President Bhupen Borah indicated that Sarma’s potential membership would be reviewed by the district unit, as they had not opposed his joining.
- The Nalbari District Congress committee has reportedly not voiced any objections to Sarma’s transition to the party.
