Tripura: Setback for BJP as Sudip Roy Barman, Asish Kumar Saha join Congress

New Delhi: Sudip Roy Barman and Asish Kumar Saha on Tuesday joined Congress in the presence of party leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi here, a day after they resigned as MLAs and quit the BJP in Tripura.

The latest development came during their meeting at the former Congress president's residence, where the party's general secretary and others were present.

"We have joined the Congress party today. Many more (MLAs) are in the queue, in the appropriate time, they will join the party," Barman told reporters, shortly after joining the party.

On being asked about leaving the BJP, "There is completely chaos and lawlessness in Tripura. Even journalists are attacked in Tripura. How can a common people remain safe?" Congress Tripura in-charge Ajoy Kumar said. "Many people are willing to join Congress. Twelve to 13 MLA will join the Congress.''

He further said that their joining the Congress will strengthen the party in the North Eastern state. Attacking the ruling BJP government, Kumar said, "People of the state are fed up with the BJP government. There is complete anarchy in the state."

Assembly elections in Tripura is slated to be held early next year. (UNI)