Assam Cong leader’s exit surprises high command

Aditi Tandon

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, August 24

The Congress was today seen grappling with the expected repercussions of the exit of its top Assam leader Himanta Biswa Sarma, who yesterday announced he was joining the BJP.

Senior leadership of the Congress admitted it was “surprised by Sarma’s sudden decision” to join the BJP, considering he was fully involved with the party’s campaign and stupendous performance in the just concluded elections to the Tiwa Autonomous Council in Assam. The BJP was routed in the polls despite the area being home to Sports Minister S Sonowal.

“Himanta Sarma not just campaigned for the Congress in these elections, he also helped us win 15 of the 30 seats, while the BJP won just two. The results came only day before and we were in touch with him for the next move. We were surprised by his announcement,” said a top Congress leader privy to Assam Congress developments. Assam goes to polls next year.

That Sarma left on a sore note, accusing Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi of being undemocratic, also had the party on the defensive with spokesperson Ajoy Kumar choosing to stay silent on the controversy. “We will get back to you on this,” he said when asked what the Congress thought of Sarma’s outburst against Rahul.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi has, meanwhile, sought details of the development from general secretary in charge of Assam CP Joshi, who had been in touch with Sarma as late as day before.

That the party was caught unawares on Sarma’s move itself was a matter of concern, some leaders said adding that Sarma had the reputation of being an election winner for the Congress over the past two polls in the state. He is himself a three term legislator.

A former Education and Health Minister in the Tarun Gogoi Cabinet in Assam, Sarma had long been harbouring chief ministerial ambitions, something Rahul Gandhi didn’t encourage.

Sarma’s discomfort in the Assam Congress grew with the arrival of Tarun Gogoi’s son Gaurav on the scenes and the emergence of a new line of leadership succession, given Rahul’s backing for the CM and his MP son.

Privately, the party leaders admitted that Sarma’s exit would hurt given his “winning and maneuvering capabilities”. “Sarma is aware of the complex political geography of Assam and has perfected the art of manouvering during polls. He left for his own future and position,” said a top Congress leader not ruling out the chances of the BJP projecting Sarma as a CM candidate in Assam.

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