Assam Minister of Handloom, Irrigation, and Textiles Ranjit Dutta on Friday said that several Congress leaders and former ministers are in the queue to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

"Not only Mariani MLA Rupjyoti Kurmi, but several other Congress MLAs and former ministers are in the fray and would join the BJP," Dutta said while addressing the media in Tihu on Friday.

"Gradually, the Congress will become empty and will have zero members," he further said.

Hailing the Union Budget tabled on Friday at the Lok Sabha, Dutta said, "I am happy with the budget. It is really a good budget. It is a pro-public budget and will help in everyone's development."

Speaking about the Handloom & Textile Department, Ranjit Dutta informed that several plans are on the cards to revamp the department.

"The government will undertake several schemes for the development and betterment of the department," Dutta said.