Ex-ULFA (I) Leader Drishti Rajkhowa Among Many to Join Assam BJP

Ahead of the 2026 Assam Assembly elections, over 50 leaders from various political parties and socio-cultural organizations formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday. The joining ceremony was held at the state BJP headquarters in Guwahati, marking a significant boost for the saffron party’s grassroots momentum.

Senior BJP leaders, including state president Dilip Saikia, organizational secretary Ravindra Raju, and cabinet minister Jayanta Mallabaruah, welcomed the new entrants into the party fold.

A Diverse Political Cross-Section Joins BJP

Among the notable leaders who joined were:

Drishti Rajkhowa, former ULFA (I) leader

Manoj Dhanowar, former Assam president of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)

Arjun Chetry, former president of the All Assam Gorkha Students' Union

Amal Patowary, former general secretary and spokesperson of Asom Gana Parishad (AGP)

Tridip Talukdar, actor and social activist

Madhurjya Goswami, former president of the Sonitpur District Congress Committee

Nirmal Payeng, former youth wing general secretary of Raijor Dal

Prashanta Saikia, educationist and former president of Nagaon District Congress

Manas Saraniya, senior advocate at Gauhati High Court

Asim Chamuah, advocate and contemporary of Dilip Saikia

Speaking on the occasion, Dilip Saikia said the BJP remains open to welcoming more such leaders, although Wednesday's induction was selective due to strategic considerations.

“There are many waiting to join, but we’ve taken in a few today based on careful planning,” Saikia said. He emphasized that joining the BJP should not be seen only through the lens of ticket aspirations. “Some may seek party tickets, which is natural. But final decisions will be made at the appropriate time. Not everyone will get a ticket—but all must take a pledge to stand with the BJP in the long run.”

Praise for New Entrants, Subtle Digs at Rivals

Saikia praised Manoj Dhanowar for his work in starting a school and “establishing a positive tradition.” He also lauded Arjun Chetry and others for their courage to leave parties like Raijor Dal, where, according to him, “people don’t stay for long alongside Akhil Gogoi.”

“From Kamal Medhi to Nirmal Payeng—everyone has left Akhil Gogoi’s camp. This speaks for itself,” Saikia noted.

On Manas Saraniya, he remarked, “There’s demand for him from BPF and UPPL, yet he chose BJP. That’s a powerful statement.”

Dilip Saikia struck a sharp note on identity politics, stating: “If we truly want to protect the rights of Assam’s indigenous people, BJP is the only viable political alternative.”

He also hinted that more Congress leaders are expected to switch camps soon. “Many are coming, many more will come from Congress,” he said.

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