Assam: Rejaul Karim Sarkar resigns from Congress 60 hours after joining over row

Guwahati: Rejaul Karim Sarkar resigned from the Indian National Congress around 60 hours after joining the party, drawing attention to internal differences within Assam’s opposition political space.

The resignation has been linked to differing political approaches, internal coordination issues, and unresolved ideological questions.

Soon after Sarkar joined the Congress, his remarks drew criticism from senior leader Debabrata Saikia, Raijor Dal chief Akhil Gogoi, and members of several communities across Assam.

In a letter to Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaurav Gogoi, Saikia stated that Sarkar’s remarks about “turning Sivasagar to Dhubri, Dhubri to Sivasagar, Barak to Sivasagar, Tinsukia to Dhubri” triggered controversy across the state.

Sarkar, a former president of the All Assam Minorities Students’ Union, submitted his resignation to the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee on Wednesday. In his letter, he said continuing in the party was no longer possible without compromising his conscience, dignity, and political principles.

His resignation followed widespread discussion within political circles.

Sarkar stated that his decision was influenced not only by public reactions but also by a sense of alienation within the party. He wrote that he did not receive support from senior leaders during a politically sensitive period, which he said led to misunderstanding and criticism.

Political observers said Sarkar’s entry into the Congress was swift and high-profile and was viewed as part of the party’s outreach to minority youth leaders ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

They noted that differing interpretations of his remarks and the absence of a unified response became evident once the controversy surfaced.

The Congress acknowledged that Sarkar’s remarks could have been avoided, but responses from party leaders differed and were expressed publicly.

Sarkar, in his resignation letter, also referred to internal mistrust and said he was uncomfortable continuing in an environment where his intentions were questioned.

He added that his political engagement had focused on social harmony, constitutional values, and equality rather than electoral ambition, and described his resignation as a personal decision.

As Assam moves closer to the Assembly elections, Sarkar’s resignation has prompted discussion on internal coordination and communication within opposition parties.

The Congress is expected to review its approach as it prepares for the upcoming polls.