2024 Lok Sabha Candidate Surya Kanta Sarkar Quits Congress Days Before Polls

Just three days ahead of the Assam Polls, Surya Kanta Sarkar, Congress’s 2024 Lok Sabha candidate from Silchar, has resigned from the party’s primary membership, alleging neglect, bias, and lack of accountability within the organisation. He cited “deep regret” and serious concerns over the party’s functioning. 

In his resignation letter addressed to the party president, Sarkar said he was stepping down “with a heavy heart,” citing repeated instances where his concerns were ignored despite being raised through formal communications and personal interactions. He alleged that there had been “no response nor any visible effort” from party leadership, pointing to a “concerning lack of accountability” among certain office bearers.

Striking a sharp note, Sarkar also suggested that his background as a member of a Scheduled community may have contributed to the neglect of his concerns, calling it contrary to the party’s principles of inclusivity and equality.

He further criticised the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), alleging that key organisational appointments and decisions in Barak Valley were influenced by considerations “other than merit, dedication, and grassroots contribution.” He claimed that selections for committees and electoral recommendations often overlooked genuine party workers.

Despite the exit, he thanked his supporters and voters, saying their trust remained his “greatest strength,” and asserted that he would continue working for the people.

The timing of the resignation, coming just ahead of polling on April is expected to have political implications in Barak Valley, particularly for the Congress.