Khaund left the AGP expressing resentment after the regional party gave the Ranganadi constituency to BJP as part of electoral alliance. Khaund was aspiring for a ticket from Ranganadi in the assembly polls.
Khaund formally joined the Congress party in presence of Gaurav Gogoi, President of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee; Jitendra Singh, General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee; Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar, who is also in charge of the party’s election affairs in Assam; AICC Secretary Manoj Chauhan; and senior Congress leaders Satyabrata Kalita and Binanda Saikia.
APCC President Gaurav Gogoi said, “A few days ago Jayanta Khaund contacted us and expressed his desire to join the Congress. We warmly welcome his decision. The district and constituency he represents have shown great enthusiasm, and the Congress leaders and workers there are also highly encouraged. Today he has joined the Congress to work against the arrogance of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.”
“Today in Assam, some leaders in the ruling party still practise the politics of sacrifice and principles. But the Chief Minister is trying to push such leaders out of politics. Instead, he prefers to promote those who simply obey him and are involved in corruption,” Gogoi said.
When asked about the possibility of alliance with Raijor Dal, Gogoi reiterated that efforts are being made to form alliances with all opposition parties. He said that discussions on seat-sharing with three political parties have already been completed and talks with others are progressing positively. He expressed hope that the current obstacles would be resolved in the coming days.
Speaking at the event, Assam in-charge Jitendra Singh welcomed Jayanta Khaund to the Congress family and referred to his association with the All-Assam Students’ Union movement and the Asom Gana Parishad.”The Congress party is like a deep and vast ocean. It is a matter of great pride for me to get the opportunity to join such a large and historic party,” Khaund said.
