BJP is consolidating its base in Assam, at the cost of the Congress.  Assam’s top Congress leader from the Karbi tribal community and chief executive member (CEM) of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) Tuliram Ronghang along with his 18 executive members (EMs) Thursday came to the BJP’s fold at a solemn function on the raising day of the KAAC at BJP office in Diphu.

BJP MLA Joy Ram Engleng, Diphu MLA Sum Ronghang, Bokajan MLA Numal Momin, Karbi Anglong BJP president Lanki Phangso, party observer Ajay Gupta were present in the function.

Those who joined BJP along with Ronghang are: Bidya Sing Rongpi, Mongol Sing Timung, Pradip Difusa, Jiban Pathak, Aton Sangma, Mohesh Chuhan, Chandra Tamang, Golap Surin, Dhonsing Kro, D. Uphing Maslai, Pradip Rongpi, Pradip Signar, Kachey Timungpi, Longki Timung, Surya Rongphar, Rupsing Teron and Bidyasing Tokbi.

In the function, senior BJP leaders announced that 6 MAC (Member of Autonomous Council) of regional party HSDC are making way for joining BJP. The joining of Ronghang is considered to be a major blow to the Congress party as the Karbi Anglong goes for council polls in January 2017. With this joining the power of the KAAC goes to the BJP from the Congress party from today.

Notably, Sarat Brahma who was earlier EM for Co-operation, had joined the BJP prior to the general election. Another MAC and former EM Ratan Engti has been with the BJP for more than two years.

Political observers say that the council will be restructured with joining of Ronghang and his aides within this month. Induction of Ratan Engti and Sarat Brahma into the council executive committee can’t be denied they said.

Ronghang has also been spearheading the agitation of Hills Tribes Forum (HTF) demanding roll back of Union Cabinet’s decision for inclusion of Bodo community into the ST(H) list in Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao.

BJP is gaining ground in both Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao districts. In the last week, the BJP formed the executive committee (EC) in the NC Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC) after the ruling was congress party reduced to minority in the house.

[prepared by intern Debrata from media reports]

  Assam, Aton Sangma, Bidya Sing Rongpi, Chandra Tamang, D. Uphing Maslai, Dhonsing Kro, Golap Surin, Jiban Pathak, Kachey Timungpi, Longki Timung, Mohesh Chuhan, Mongol Sing Timung, NC Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC), Northeast, Pradip Difusa, Pradip Rongpi, Pradip Signar, Rupsing Teron and Bidyasing Tokbi, Surya Rongphar