GUWAHATI: A Congress legislator of Assam on Monday announced his support to the BJP-led government in the state "for the sake of development" without resigning from his party. The move was termed as "exemplary" by chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Though Sashi Kanta Das, legislator from Raha constituency, was welcomed in his strange role by Sarma, Congress leaders are shell-shocked.
"Moved by PM Sri @narendramodi's vision of development, Hon MLA of Raha of @INCIndia Sri Sashi Kanta Das has pledged his commitment to support Assam Govt politically. This is exemplary and will strengthen governance. I & BJP Assam President @Bhabesh_KalitaR hail this decision," Sarma tweeted.
Sarma and BJP's Assam unit president Bhabesh Kalita welcomed Das at the CM's chamber inside the assembly complex while the House was in progress.
"Das decided to join the government to develop Raha constituency from where he was elected. It is not decided yet whether he will join our political party," Sarma said, adding, "He will continue to remain a Congress MLA and not resign from it immediately."
When asked if Das would form now on attend BJP legislature party meetings, Sarma said, "Sometimes, he will sit in our room. But inside the House, he will sit with the Congress (in Opposition bench)."
When asked if a bypoll will be necessary, Sarma said "There are two systems. First by-election will take place in some constituencies and second there will be no bypoll. But the opposition MLA will work with us."
