Congress Leadership Responds to Sarkar's Resignation Amid Political Tensions
Political Reactions to Sarkar's Exit
Guwahati, Jan 14: In light of Rejaul Karim Sarkar's recent departure, the Congress party is working to unify its ranks. On Wednesday, party officials expressed dissatisfaction with Sarkar's comments regarding Dhubri and Sivasagar, asserting that his resignation would not impact the party's chances in the upcoming Assam Assembly elections.
During a press briefing, Pradyut Bordoloi, the chairman of the Election Manifesto Committee and MP from Nagaon, emphasized the importance of responsible communication within the party. He conveyed his concerns to the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president, highlighting the need for careful and considerate public statements.
"I informed our party president that those in positions of responsibility must choose their words wisely. It is crucial that no one, whether from our party or others, makes remarks that could create divisions. Sensitive matters require careful handling, and it is unfortunate if his resignation stems from his comments," Bordoloi stated.
When questioned about Sarkar's resignation letter to APCC president Gaurav Gogoi, which allegedly mentioned him, Bordoloi suggested that there might be political motivations behind Sarkar's decision. "I cannot say for certain if he is engaging in political maneuvering with this choice," he remarked.
Bordoloi reiterated the party's position, urging those in leadership roles to be mindful of their statements, especially regarding delicate social issues, to prevent societal division. He dismissed any claims that Sarkar's resignation would harm the Congress's electoral prospects, asserting, "This will not impact the party in the Assembly elections."
In response to Sarkar's claim that "Congress is not larger than the community," Bordoloi clarified that the party has never made such assertions. He suggested that Sarkar might not fully understand Assam's political history or the Congress's significant contributions, referencing the legacy of Assam's first Chief Minister, Bharat Ratna Gopinath Bordoloi.
Meanwhile, the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) remarked that Sarkar's resignation was anticipated due to the backlash he received from senior Congress members. AIUDF general secretary Rafiqul Islam deemed the resignation justified, stating, "If someone cannot advocate for the minority community's issues or work towards resolving them, how can a minority student leader thrive in such a party?" referring to Sarkar's previous role as head of the All Assam Minority Students’ Union.
Islam further claimed that this incident revealed a "communal mindset" among certain Congress leaders. He noted, "While the Congress presents itself as secular, we recognize that some leaders may align closely with the RSS and echo its ideology."
Sarkar's resignation and the ensuing political reactions have added a new layer of complexity to Assam's already dynamic political environment as parties prepare for the Assembly elections.