India, Feb. 17 -- Former Assam Congress president Bhupen Borah will formally join the BJP on February 22, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Tuesday evening.

Sarma made the announcement at a press conference held at Borah's residence in the Ghoramara area of Guwahati following a discussion with the former state Congress chief. The Chief Minister had visited Borah's house earlier in the evening.

"His joining will strengthen the party, particularly because he is a grassroots leader. He will formally join the BJP in the presence of Assam BJP president Dilip Saikia," Sarma said.

Borah joining the BJP will show that Congress is not a place for Hindus, CM Sarma claimed.

He claimed Bora has struggled for a long time in the Congress p...