Guwahati: Lok Sabha MP Pradyut Bordoloi on Thursday outlined his priorities for Assam after joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), stating that job creation and improvement in living standards would be central to his agenda ahead of the Assembly elections.
Bordoloi, who recently resigned from the Congress and has been fielded by the BJP from the Dispur constituency, also praised Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, indicating a collaborative approach to governance in Assam and the wider North-East.
Describing Sarma as an “accomplished and hardworking” leader, Bordoloi said he would work alongside him to advance development in the state and the region, with a focus on raising the standard of living.
He emphasised that employment generation would remain a key priority. “We will work to create jobs, generate employment, and increase income. That will be my endeavour,” he said.
The BJP has already announced its first list of candidates for the Assembly elections, naming Bordoloi as its nominee from Dispur, while Chief Minister Sarma will contest from his traditional Jalukbari seat.
The political development has also had a ripple effect within the Congress. Prateek Bordoloi withdrew his candidature from the Margherita constituency, citing concerns over possible confusion among voters following his father’s switch to the BJP.
In a letter to All India Congress Committee president Mallikarjun Kharge, Prateek Bordoloi said continuing in the fray under the circumstances could raise questions about his commitment to the party.
Assam is set to go to the polls for its 126-member Legislative Assembly in a single phase on April 9, with counting of votes scheduled for May 4, according to the Election Commission of India.