Guwahati |  Senior Congress leader Debabrata Saikia has rejected speculation that he could join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of spreading “false political propaganda” ahead of elections.

In a statement, Saikia said rumours about his possible defection to the BJP had been circulated repeatedly before elections with the alleged intention of misleading voters. He claimed that a social media network and propaganda machinery were being used to promote such speculation.

“There is no question whatsoever of joining the BJP,” Saikia said, asserting that his political commitment remained with the Congress.

The former Leader of the Opposition in the Assam Assembly said he continued to be committed to the “secular and democratic principles and ideals” of the Congress. He ruled out joining the BJP under its present political approach and said he would not consider such a move unless the party changed what he described as its “communal politics”.

Saikia also referred to the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi and the contribution of former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to nation-building while explaining his political position. The Congress leader further accused the BJP of using intimidation against political leaders who switch parties. He said his political record since 2016 reflected his commitment to raising issues concerning the people of Assam.

“As I was the Leader of the Opposition, I have been fighting relentlessly from the Legislative Assembly to the courts for the rights, concerns, and justice of the people of Assam,” Saikia said. Saikia alleged that continued rumours and political pressure would not change his position. He said he would continue to oppose what he described as the “misrule” of the BJP-led government in Assam.