GUWAHATI — Bhupen Kumar Borah, who led Assam’s Congress unit until resigning last month, became a BJP member during a ceremony at the party’s state headquarters, Vajpayee Bhawan. State BJP president Dilip Saikia and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma attended the event.

Borah arrived alongside former Congress figures Sanju Bora, Rajesh Kumar Joshi, Kangkan Das and Gagan Chandra Bora. Over a dozen other Congress workers from the region also signed up with the BJP.

Borah stepped down from Congress on February 16. Party high command rejected the resignation at first. Senior leaders visited his home that day. Rahul Gandhi called him personally. Borah asked for time to think it over.

The next day, Sarma showed up at Borah’s residence. He publicly stated Borah would join BJP on February 22. That timeline held. Sunday’s switch came just weeks before Assam’s 126-member assembly faces polls in March or April.

Speaking after enrolling, Borah said his exit stemmed from a desire for Congress self-reflection. “I resigned hoping the party would address its mistakes and promise fixes,” he told reporters. Congress leaders who visited his home that Monday “hurt my sentiments,” according to Borah.

He served Congress 32 years, driven by ideology, conscience and patriotism. Yet the party’s actions wounded him. Borah accused it of slighting Assamese community feelings too.

Sarma welcomed the newcomer. He acknowledged possible lingering bitterness after three decades of service and key contributions to Congress. “A new chapter begins in BJP today,” Sarma said. “You’ll get love and respect from the family.”

Saikia praised Borah’s political experience and administrative skills. He predicted they would bolster BJP ahead of elections. The new members drew inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s work and Sarma’s leadership, Saikia said. BJP worker strength grew as a result.

Borah’s defection marks another blow to Assam Congress. The party has struggled against BJP dominance since Sarma himself crossed over from Congress in 2015. He became chief minister two years ago after BJP won a landslide.

Assam BJP eyes a third straight term. Polls could start as early as next month. Borah’s move adds a seasoned organizer to its ranks in a state where Congress once held sway.

Neither side detailed Borah’s new role yet. Saikia called him a proud member. Party officials expect his local ties to help in upcoming campaigns.