Ex-AASU General Secretary Shankar Jyoti Baruah Joins BJP in Guwahati

Former All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) general secretary Shankar Jyoti Baruah formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Guwahati on Saturday, marking a significant political development ahead of the upcoming Assam Assembly elections.

The joining ceremony was held at the BJP’s state headquarters, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Bhawan at Basistha Chariali, where Baruah was inducted into the party in the presence of senior BJP leaders, including Assam BJP president Dilip Saikia and Union Minister Pabitra Margherita.

Former AASU general secretary Shankar Jyoti Baruah joined the BJP in Guwahati on Saturday at the party’s state headquarters in Basistha. He said he was ready to work for the people and praised the development work of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma ahead of the Assembly elections.

Joining Ceremony in Guwahati

Baruah arrived at the BJP headquarters in Guwahati, accompanied by supporters and leaders from various student organisations. Several former AASU functionaries and representatives of other student bodies and political groups also joined the BJP along with him.

Addressing the media after formally joining the party, Baruah said he was prepared to work at the grassroots level and contribute to public service through the BJP platform.

“I am ready to work for the people,” Baruah said, shortly after taking party membership.

Praise for BJP Leadership

During his interaction with reporters in Guwahati, Baruah highlighted what he described as the BJP’s development-focused governance at both the national and state levels.

He praised Narendra Modi and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, stating that the party had brought visible changes, particularly in rural infrastructure and governance delivery across Assam.

Baruah said the BJP’s work in rural upliftment and development influenced his decision to join the party.

Remarks on Political Expectations

Before formally joining, Baruah had indicated that he did not wish to make immediate political demands. He told the media that he had set personal priorities and would speak further only after working within the party framework.

“I have set some priorities for myself, and I will address the media once I have achieved them here,” he had said earlier.

He also mentioned that leaders associated with the Gorkha Students’ Union and Gorkha Mahila Mancha were part of the group that accompanied him.

Response to CM’s Comments

Reacting to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s earlier remark that new entrants should not expect tickets but focus on party work, Baruah said he was aligned with that approach.

“I will surely do the work for the party,” he said, responding to questions from Guwahati-based media.

Political Significance for Guwahati

Baruah’s induction is being closely watched in Guwahati, which serves as Assam’s political nerve centre. The entry of a former AASU general secretary into the BJP is seen as part of the party’s broader strategy to consolidate support among youth leaders and former student activists ahead of elections.

The joining also underscores Guwahati’s role as the focal point for major political realignments in the state.

What Happens Next

Party sources said:

• Baruah will be assigned organisational responsibilities in the coming weeks
• Further inductions of student and youth leaders may follow
• BJP’s campaign activities from Guwahati are expected to intensify

No announcement has been made regarding any electoral candidature.

Why This Matters

AASU has historically played a key role in Assam’s political landscape. The entry of a former AASU general secretary into the BJP reflects shifting political equations and could influence youth and student-linked voter segments, particularly in and around Guwahati.

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