New Delhi

Congress leader Akhilesh Prasad Singh on Tuesday hit out at Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over his remark describing former Assam Congress chief Bhupen Kumar Borah as the “last Hindu leader” in the state unit of the Congress.

Singh alleged that Sarma was attempting to project himself as the ultimate Hindu leader after Borah’s anticipated exit from the Congress, and claimed the statement signalled the beginning of the BJP’s so-called “Operation Lotus” ahead of the Assam Assembly elections.

Speaking to ANI, Singh said, “The Chief Minister considers himself to be the last Hindu leader; after him, there is no Hindu left in the country. As elections are nearing, Operation Lotus has begun. Breaking parties through persuasion, inducement, punishment and division has been the BJP’s habit. That is exactly what is happening. Those who are leaving do not even realise that this time in Assam, the BJP government will not be formed at all.”

The reaction followed Sarma’s announcement on Tuesday that Borah would be joining the Bharatiya Janata Party on February 22, a move seen as a major political development ahead of the upcoming state polls.

Addressing a press conference alongside Borah, Sarma said the modalities of the joining would be worked out by BJP Assam president Dilip Saikia, adding that the decision had been approved by the party’s national president Nitin Nabin.

“Bhupen Borah will join the BJP on February 22. Dilip Saikia will work out the details. Along with him, a good number of Congress leaders will join the BJP in Guwahati and North Lakhimpur. He is the last recognised Hindu leader in Congress. Our national president Nitin Nabin has already approved his joining and welcomes him,” Sarma said.

The announcement came a day after Borah submitted his resignation to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge.

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Assam is scheduled to go to the polls later this year, with the BJP, led by Sarma, seeking to retain power, while the Congress is attempting a comeback. Borah’s meeting with the Chief Minister and his proposed switch of allegiance have further fuelled political speculation as parties gear up for the Assembly elections.