Guwahati: Former AIUDF MLA from Barpeta constituency Abdur Rahim Khan on Thursday joined the Congress, saying that it was the only party which could halt communal forces.

The Assam PCC organised a joining ceremony on the courtyard of Rajiv Bhawan for the homecoming of Khan who left the party 13 years ago to set up AIUDF with its president Badruddin Ajmal.

Around 300 supporters of Khan joined the party.

Khan left the AIUDF on Monday, stating that the party had lost its secular character and that he (Ajmal) runs it in an autocratic manner.

The AIUDF held a news conference on Thursday to counter Khan's accusations.

Benazir Arfan, who had unsuccessfully contested on a BJP ticket from Jania in the last Assembly elections and was sacked by the party for internal conflict, joined the Congress along with Khan.

Arfan said she was disillusioned with the BJP as there was no respect for women in the party.

PCC president Ripun Bora, former Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi and senior party leaders Sarat Barkataky, Balin Kuli and Dwijen Sarma, among others, were present at the joining ceremony.