Jamugurihat (Assam)

Veteran AGP leader and MLA Padma Hazarika today joined BJP at a function here in Sonitpur district.

Hazarika was accompanied by AGP Anchaliks, branch and Zila Parishad Samannay Committee members besides members of Tea Cell, Minority Cell and Yuba Parishad leaders along with district level workers.

Addressing the function, Hazarika said he joined the party as he wanted to serve his constituency and the rest of the country.

Hazarika was first elected to the Assam Assembly in 1996 in an AGP ticket. Though he lost in 2001, he was re-elected again in 2006 and 2011. In 2007, he had a narrow escape when militants belonging to the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) attacked him for raising his voice against militancy in Sonitpur district.

The AGP now has only nine members in the 126-member House and its strength has reduced further with Hazarika quitting the party.

PTI