Guwahati, March 18: Narendra Modi's style of governance today helped the BJP induct Ronoj Pegu, a prominent leader representing the Mising community in Upper Assam, who is likely to be fielded for the April 9 byelection for the Dhemaji Assembly constituency.
Pegu, 51, who is the chief executive councillor of the Mising Autonomous Council, formally joined the BJP at the party's state headquarters here this afternoon.
The Telegraph had today reported that Pegu would join the BJP. Talks between him and the party leadership had been on since April last year. "The trend of governance set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi encouraged me to join the BJP," Pegu said soon after he was welcomed by party state unit president Ranjeet Dass and state cabinet minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Another prominent leader of the community, Bhuban Pegu, who became an MLA last year, is set to join the BJP.
"The way Narendra Modi and the BJP government in the state led by Sarbananda Sonowal is spreading benefits of governance to the people, we are convinced that this government is committed to development. I will soon join the BJP but I have some formalities to do since I am an MLA," Bhuban Pegu said after the function.
The two leaders are popular faces of Ganashakti, an organisation campaigning for protection and welfare of indigenous communities such as Misings. Although not a registered political party, Ganashakti has a strong political base in at least five Assembly constituencies - Dhemaji, Jonai, Lakhimpur, Dhakuakhana and Majuli - in Upper Assam.
When asked if Ganashakti would merge with the BJP, Ronoj Pegu told The Telegraph, "Ganashakti is not a registered political party and it will remain a social organisation. But our members will support the BJP." He, however, said the BJP leadership would take a decision about his candidature for the Dhemaji bypoll.
The Dhemaji seat fell vacant after sitting BJP MLA Pradan Baruah contested Lakhmipur Lok Sabha seat and won in November last year.
The contest is likely to be between the BJP and Congress. The latter named Babul Sonowal as its candidate yesterday. BJP sources said Pegu is a frontrunner for the party ticket from Dhemaji.
