Guwahati: In a significant political development, Ashok Sarma, a former Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Assam, announced his resignation from the party on Friday. Sarma, who represented the Nalbari assembly constituency, cited a lack of respect for senior and longstanding party workers as the primary reason for his departure.
Sarma, who had been with the BJP for nearly three decades, expressed his dissatisfaction with the party leadership after being denied a ticket in the 2021 elections. He has indicated that he is likely to join the opposition Congress in the coming week, signaling a potential shift in the political landscape of Assam.
Speaking to journalists after submitting his resignation letter at the state BJP head office in Guwahati, Sarma elaborated on his decision. “I had been raising grievances about the issues faced by some party workers for a long time. Unfortunately, no action was taken to address these concerns. Consequently, I was left with no option but to resign to maintain my honour and integrity,” Sarma said.
Sarma’s exit marks a significant moment for the BJP in Assam, as it is the first resignation of a senior leader in recent years. His departure highlights underlying tensions between long-serving party members and those who joined the BJP more recently, often from rival parties like Congress.
Sarma’s association with the BJP dates back to the party’s early years in Assam. He was elected from Nalbari in 2016 when the BJP first came to power in the state. His tenure was marked by his active involvement in party activities and his commitment to local issues. However, in the 2021 state elections, Sarma was not given the party ticket, and Jayanta Malla Baruah, who had switched to the BJP from Congress in 2015, was chosen as the candidate for Nalbari.
The decision to overlook Sarma, a veteran party member, in favor of a newer entrant to the party is said to have been a significant factor in his decision to leave. Sarma’s resignation reflects a broader discontent among long-standing members of the BJP, who feel marginalized in the face of newer recruits and shifting party dynamics.
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Political analysts view Sarma’s move as a potential boost for the Congress, which is seeking to consolidate its position in Assam. The Congress party has been actively working to strengthen its base in the state, and Sarma’s entry could provide a notable advantage, given his political experience and grassroots connections.
As the political landscape in Assam continues to evolve, Sarma’s departure from the BJP underscores the challenges faced by the party in managing internal dissent and maintaining cohesion among its members. The BJP, which has experienced significant electoral success in recent years, will need to address these internal issues to sustain its position in the state.
In the coming days, Sarma’s shift to Congress will likely be watched closely by political observers and rivals alike. His experience and insights from his time with the BJP could provide valuable assets to the Congress as it seeks to strengthen its electoral prospects.
Sarma’s resignation also highlights the broader issues within political parties where long-serving members sometimes find themselves at odds with newer strategies and leadership approaches. As the Congress prepares to welcome Sarma, it will be keen to leverage his experience and influence to bolster its standing in Assam’s political arena.
Overall, Sarma’s departure from the BJP and anticipated move to Congress marks a pivotal moment in Assam’s political scene, reflecting both the internal challenges within the BJP and the ongoing realignment of political forces in the state.
