Dissident Congress leader Himanta Biswa Sarma resigns from ministership in Assam

GUWAHATI: Leader of dissident Congress MLAs in Assam and state Education Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma today resigned opposing Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi's leadership.

"I have submitted my resignation as minister to the Governor (J B Patnaik) as I have protested Gogoi's leadership," he told reporters after putting in his papers at the Raj Bhavan.

"About 38 MLAs went with me to the Raj Bhavan but it was my private journey. I have no confidence in Tarun Gogoi's leadership. We are fighting for our party and under Gogoi's leadership Congress will come down to single digit in 2016," he said.

"Absolute madness prevails and there is no direction under Gogoi. Continuing under Tarun Gogoi is not feasible politically, mentally and physically. It is not advisable. That is why I decided to resign. I will also send my resignation to the Chief Minister," he added.

To a query, he said, as of now there is no threat to the Gogoi government. "We do not want to topple the government."

Sarma said the governor had been informed that all the 38 MLAs who went with him will play the role of a 'constructive opposition' in the assembly.

"We will oppose Gogoi's anti-people policies. But whenever there is a party whip we will abide by it as we do not want to defy party president Sonia Gandhi."