In Assam, sons & daughters of Congress veterans leading BJP's young poll brigade

GUWAHATI: Congress stalwarts' offspring have crossed party lines to bolster BJP's youth brigade in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections in Assam, marking a significant shift in political allegiance from the legacy of their fathers.

Among these emerging leaders is Angkita Dutta, former Assam Pradesh Youth Congress chief and daughter of PCC ex-chief Anjan Dutta. Alongside her is Manash Borah, son of two-time MLA Akan Borah and Assam PCC general secretary. Both are actively involved in mobilising support for BJP, heralding a generational shift in Assam's political landscape.

Reflecting on his decision to switch sides, Manash said Sunday: "My father tried to convince me, but I decided to leave Congress. Though we belong to the same family, we are different individuals. My father believes Congress will make a return in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and similarly, in the 2026 assembly polls. But I believe BJP is going to govern for a long time."

He said the past eight to nine years were difficult for him. "I failed to fulfil the aspirations of the people. My thinking is different from my father's. I want to work for developing my constituency with support from govt."

Akan Borah, known for his association with former CM Tarun Gogoi, stood by Congress when party members faced public boycotts during the Assam anti-foreigner agitation in the 1980s.

When Angkita and Anuj Borkotoky, the son of former minister and Sonari MLA Sarat Borkotoky, made the decision to join the rival BJP, their fathers had already passed away.

Angkita, a third-generation Congress leader, expressed disillusionment with her former party's leadership. "Congress is simply focusing on promoting Rahul Gandhi as a brand... I realised that there is no one in Congress to listen to workers like me," said the young leader, who left her father's party after accusing Youth Congress president Srinivas BV of harassing her.

Angkita expressed the difficulty she faced in considering leaving Congress. Reminiscing about the past when her father endured being tied with a rope in a room for three days by supporters of the Assam agitation, she said: "Despite facing threats from Ulfa, my father remained loyal to Congress."

She emphasised the allure of BJP's development agenda. "If you have a political aspiration, Congress cannot fulfil it... I won't be surprised if Congress gets a big zero in Assam in these polls," said Angkita, who is leading BJP's campaign in Mahmora assembly segment of Jorhat Lok Sabha constituency against Tarun Gagoi's son and Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi.

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