Assam Pradesh Congress Committee's Working President, Rana Goswami, made the decision to resign from his position within the party, a development that marks a significant shift in Assam's political landscape. According to credible sources, Goswami is poised to embark on a journey to New Delhi, where indications suggest he is inclined towards affiliating himself with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), as reported by India Today TV.
In a formal letter addressed to KC Venugopal, the General Secretary (Organisation) of Congress, Goswami expressed his intent to step down from his role as the working president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee, along with relinquishing his active membership in the Indian National Congress.
Presently, a high-profile meeting is unfolding in New Delhi, bringing together Assam BJP President Bhabesh Kalita, key figures from the BJP hierarchy, and the erstwhile Congress leader, Rana Goswami. It is anticipated that Goswami will soon meet with BJP President JP Nadda, signaling a potential transition to the BJP fold. Interestingly, Assam's Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, is concurrently in New Delhi, engaging in discussions regarding the selection of party candidates for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Responding to the swirling speculations surrounding Goswami's imminent move to the BJP, Chief Minister Sarma refrained from confirming details but remarked that should Goswami opt to join the BJP, his inclusion would be welcomed warmly.
Hailing from Assam, Rana Goswami wields considerable influence within the Congress ranks, having previously served as a Member of Parliament representing the Jorhat constituency in Assam.
In the wake of Goswami's resignation, Assam's Leader of Opposition, Debabrata Saikia, expressed perplexity, noting the absence of explicit reasons behind Goswami's departure. Saikia emphasized the significant roles and responsibilities bestowed upon Goswami by the Congress party throughout his tenure and urged clarity regarding the circumstances prompting his exit.
Reflecting on the broader trend of Congress leaders transitioning to the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, Saikia attributed such shifts to various factors, including apprehensions surrounding legal scrutiny and potential benefits associated with aligning with the ruling party at the Centre.
Goswami's departure represents yet another setback for Assam Congress, following the recent exits of other prominent figures, such as Congress working president Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha and Mangaldai legislator Basanta Kumar Das, who opted to extend their support to the BJP-led government under Himanta Biswa Sarma's leadership in the state.
