Assam: Senior Congress spokesperson Ratul Kalita resigns from party

Ratul Kalita, senior spokesperson of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee, on Saturday, March 7, announced his resignation from the party, alleging that leaders from ordinary backgrounds are not given importance within the organisation.

Addressing a press conference at his residence in Nalbari, Kalita claimed that senior leaders of the Indian National Congress give preference only to those from influential or political families. “Being from a common family, we are not valued in the party. Only sons of ministers or influential families get importance,” he alleged.

Kalita said he had worked for the party even during its weakest phase. He stated that he had sought a party ticket in the 2021 Assembly elections but stepped aside when senior leader Pradyut Kumar Bhuyan expressed interest in contesting. Later, when he applied again, the party fielded Deep Bayan instead.

He further claimed that despite applying again this time, he was denied a ticket and alleged that even after nearly 90 hours, no senior leader from the party contacted him regarding the matter. Kalita also questioned the leadership, referring to leaders like Tanzil Hussain and Pratik Bordoloi while raising concerns over opportunities within the party.

Kalita also expressed disappointment that party leaders did not reach out to him after he was allegedly assaulted by a police officer, identified as Mrinal Deka, in front of Rajiv Bhawan earlier.

Following his resignation, several Congress leaders and workers in Nalbari also stepped down from the party, with more than 20 supporters reportedly joining him in quitting their posts and primary membership.

Kalita said he would decide which political party to join after discussions later in the evening. He also questioned how former Bharatiya Janata Party leader Ashok Sharma was granted a Congress ticket despite facing allegations related to land grabbing and other controversies.