Ex-ULFA Commander, Former AAP Leader, and Others Join BJP in Assam

In a significant political development in Assam, several prominent figures from diverse backgrounds officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday. The induction ceremony was held at the state BJP headquarters in the presence of state party president Dilip Saikia, Assam BJP in-charge Harish Dwivedi, and organisational general secretary GR Ravindra Raju.

Among the new entrants was Dristi Rajkhowa, also known as Manoj Rabha, a former self-styled 'deputy commander' of the banned militant group ULFA (I). A known explosives expert, Rabha had surrendered in 2020 and has since kept a low profile. Now, he says he’s ready to serve Assam in a new way.

“I have always prioritized my land over my life. I made sacrifices for my state in the past, and I am prepared to do so again,” Rabha told reporters after the ceremony. He said Assam continues to face "serious threats from various fronts" and that the BJP offers the right platform to address these issues. “I believe the BJP is working in the interest of the people, which is why I’ve chosen to join,” he added.

Joining him in the BJP were several other notable personalities: prominent lawyer Manas Sarania; former Aam Aadmi Party state president Manoj Dhanowar; Arjun Chettri, vice-president of the Assam Gorkha Sammelan and former president of the All Assam Gorkha Students’ Union; Nirmal Payeng, former general secretary of Raijor Dal’s youth wing; and Amal Patowary, a former central committee secretary of the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP).

Welcoming the new members, BJP state president Dilip Saikia said, “The BJP is not just a party; it is a family. We welcome everyone who is committed to serving Maa Bharati and working towards making India a global leader — a Vishwaguru.”

He also emphasized the party’s continued focus on protecting the rights of Assam’s indigenous communities and called for unity in achieving that goal.