Guwahati, Jan 14: Former president of the All Assam Minorities Students’ Union (AAMSU), Rejaul Karim Sarkar, has resigned from the primary membership of the Indian National Congress, citing deep moral and ideological differences with the party’s leadership in Assam.
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| Rejaul Karim Sarkar |
In a resignation letter dated January 14 and addressed to the president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), Sarkar stated that he had joined the Congress inspired by its secular values, inclusive ideology and commitment to constitutional principles. However, he said recent public statements and positions taken by senior leaders had caused him “deep moral and ideological anguish.”
Specifically naming Debabrata Saikia, the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader, and Pradyut Bordoloi, Member of Parliament from Nagaon, Sarkar alleged that their actions and statements had demoralised him and “maligned” his public image. He further claimed that he found it untenable to continue his association with the party in the presence of what he described as “BJP agents” within the Congress.
“I hereby tender my resignation from the primary membership of the party with immediate effect,” Sarkar wrote, while wishing the Congress success in the future.
In a separate public statement shared on social media, Sarkar said his political journey was driven by the principle that “no party or individual is bigger than the community.” He asserted that his aim was never to hold office but to uphold the dignity, rights and collective strength of minority communities without compromise. Sarkar alleged that certain leaders, whom he accused of working in the interest of the Bharatiya Janata Party, were weakening the Congress from within and blocking the emergence of a strong secular alternative in Assam.
He also claimed that minority communities were insulted during his association with the party and said his conscience compelled him to step away after nearly two decades of public and social struggle. Sarkar added that he was not contemplating any immediate political move and requested supporters and the public not to approach him on political matters for the time being.
The resignation has added to ongoing debates within Assam’s opposition politics, particularly over minority representation, internal dissent and the future direction of the Congress in the state.
