Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha Political Transition and Joining BJP
Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha, former Congress MLA from North Karimganj, formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on 5 March 2026 at the BJP state headquarters in Guwahati, known as the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Bhawan. The ceremony was attended by BJP Assam President Dilip Saikia, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma, and other senior party leaders.
Dey Purkayastha appeared in saffron attire and a cap, symbolizing his allegiance to the party. Alongside him, two other former Congress MLAs, Basanta Das and Shashikanta Das, also joined the BJP on the same day.
Today, 8 March 2026, he visited his constituency, North Karimganj (currently part of Srihumi), for the first time since joining BJP. At the Srihumi District BJP office, he received a warm reception from party workers, including floral garlands and greetings. He expressed pride in wearing saffron and cited the development and security of Assam and the nation as his motivation for this decision. He also criticized Congress’s “appeasement politics” as a reason for his departure.
The move has created significant political waves in Assam’s Barak Valley, especially with the upcoming state assembly elections. Dey Purkayastha, a three-time Congress MLA from North Karimganj, is now projected as a potential BJP candidate from the Katigorah constituency. Enthusiasm among local workers and supporters has been observed across Badarpur and Silchar airport areas. This shift is considered a major setback for Assam Congress More information
Political Background and Career Overview
Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha political career was predominantly with the Indian National Congress (INC) for nearly 28 years, from 1996 to 2024-2026. He began as a student leader through NSUI (National Students’ Union of India).
1996: Entered politics via NSUI.
1997-1998: General Secretary, Karimganj College NSUI.
1999-2000: Vice President, Karimganj NSUI.
Later, he held several positions in District NSUI and Youth Congress, including District General Secretary.
He completed HS from Karimganj Government Higher Secondary School in 1996 and became known as a local youth leader.
Legislative Success
2011: Elected MLA from North Karimganj, defeating BJP veteran Mission Ranjan Das.
2016: Re-elected despite a BJP wave in Assam.
2021: Won the seat for a third term.
He also served as Deputy Chief Whip of the Congress Legislative Party in Assam and as Working President of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC). Dey Purkayastha was a prominent Congress face in Barak Valley, actively voicing local issues related to development, culture, and security.
Shift and BJP Joining
Early 2024: Suspended from Congress over “anti-party activities.”
Criticized Congress for “appeasement politics” and “pro-Mughal, anti-Sanatan” stance.
Resigned from all party positions in 2024, retaining his MLA post due to anti-defection law.
5 March 2026: Officially joined BJP in Guwahati.
In summary, Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha transitioned from a long-time Congress leader and three-time MLA in Barak Valley to joining BJP, reshaping local politics ahead of the state elections
