Krishnendu Paul’s “Bhumiputra” Remark In Katigorah Shakes Kamalakhya’s Position within BJP?

As the campaign for the upcoming Panchayat Elections is coming to its concluding stage, the political landscape in Assam is heating up for the anticipated 2026 Assembly polls. In Panchayat polls, with several seats already secured uncontested by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), attention is swiftly shifting towards the larger electoral battle ahead. A Sunday comment by Minister Krishnendu Paul during a campaign in Katigorah has added new momentum to the brewing political discussions.

On Sunday, while addressing two consecutive public meetings in Katigorah, Krishnendu Paul, the Minister of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, stated that the next MLA from the constituency would be a “bhumiputra”, a “worthy son of Katigorah.” His remark has since sent ripples across political circles, setting the next talking points and speculation.

Why This Comment Matters

Paul’s statement casts a shadow over the prospects of North Karimganj MLA Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha (KDP) within the BJP. Back February 2024, the hat-trick Congress MLA had resigned from his post as Working President of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee and publicly aligned himself with the BJP, becoming an ardent admirer of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma — a sharp turn from his fierce criticism of Sarma just a month earlier (January 2024) during the Bharat Jodo Yatra in Assam.

Looking towards 2026, KDP made the strategic decision to shift focus from his home turf of North Karimganj to Katigorah, attempting to build rapport with local voters. However, this move has not been well-received. Many Katigorah from Katigorah, along with sections of the BJP’s local leadership, have resisted his overtures. In fact, back in July 2024, KDP was even manhandled by disgruntled BJP workers during an event attended by Cabinet Minister Pijush Hazarika.

Despite facing setbacks, KDP has worked relentlessly to cement his place within the BJP, often boasting of his proximity to the Chief Minister and claiming responsibility for strengthening the party’s position in Katigorah. Yet, he remains a contentious figure, accused by critics of abandoning both his original party and the very voters who elected him in 2021.

Interestingly, although he resigned from his Congress leadership role, KDP never officially resigned as a Congress MLA. Instead, he merely expressed his support for the BJP’s developmental agenda, which didn’t result in his disqualification under the anti-defection law. Disqualification petitions filed by the Congress against him remain pending before the Assam Assembly Speaker, a delay permitted under current legal provisions. Until a ruling is made or KDP steps down, his seat remains technically occupied, averting a by-election.

A New Twist in Katigorah’s Politics

Krishnendu Paul’s pointed remark about a “son of the soil” representing Katigorah has added a fresh twist to the region’s political narrative. It is noteworthy that the BJP had earlier fielded KDP as their choice for the constituency — a move that had already triggered extensive debate. Against the backdrop of his outsider treatment during key public events. While other heavyweight leaders of the BJP and elected MLAs were seated on the stage, KDP was seen sitting with the audience during two important public meetings of the party. While in both rallies attended by BJP State President Dilip Saikia and CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, KDP’s seat with the audience, Paul’s comment seems particularly significant.

With the Panchayat polls underway and the Assembly elections looming, political observers will closely watch developments in Katigorah. Minister Paul’s assertion signals a possible recalibration within the BJP — one that could leave Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha sidelined as the party banks on a local “bhumiputra” to carry its banner forward.