Assam Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia has firmly denied allegations made by former All Assam Minorities Students’ Union (AAMSU) president Rejaul Karim Sarkar, stating that he disagreed with Sarkar’s remarks on the very day the latter joined the Congress. Saikia emphasized that districts like Dhubri and Sivasagar each possess their own unique cultural identity, which should be respected and preserved.
Responding to claims that he acted as an agent of the BJP or was anti-minority, Saikia said he was unsure whether to “laugh or cry.” He added that if such accusations were true, the Congress would have acted against him at some point during his decade-long association with the party.
Saikia’s remarks follow Sarkar’s resignation from the Indian National Congress, submitted on January 14, 2026, citing ideological and moral differences with the party’s senior leadership. Addressed to Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaurav Gogoi, Sarkar’s letter stated that he had originally joined the Congress drawn by its secular ideology, inclusive politics, and commitment to constitutional values.
However, Sarkar alleged that recent statements and public actions by senior leaders, particularly Saikia and Nagaon MP Pradyut Bordoloi, caused him “deep moral and ideological anguish,” demoralized him, and tarnished his public image. He went so far as to liken their conduct to that of “BJP agents,” making it impossible for him to remain in the party.
“Under these circumstances, I find it difficult to continue my association with the party,” Sarkar wrote, resigning from the Congress with immediate effect while wishing the party future success.
The public exchange exposes internal tensions within the Assam Congress, highlighting challenges for the leadership as it navigates the run-up to the next electoral cycle.
