Simanta Shekhar Quits BJP, Resigns Film Corporation Post
Assamese singer-composer cites personal reasons, while his resignation follows public criticism of BJP MLA Vijay Kumar Gupta over Zubeen Garg remarks
- Simanta Shekhar resigns from BJP
- Steps down as Assam Film Corporation chairman
- Cites personal reasons for decision
- Exit follows Zubeen Garg remarks controversy, but resignation statement does not link the two
GG News Bureau
Guwahati, 22nd Sept: Assamese singer and composer Simanta Shekhar has resigned from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and stepped down as chairman of the Assam State Film (Finance and Development) Corporation.
Shekhar announced his decision in a Facebook post on Monday, saying he had submitted his resignation to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the BJP’s state president.
Along with relinquishing the chairmanship, Shekhar said he was stepping down from the BJP’s Assam state executive committee and giving up his primary membership of the party.
Shekhar described the decision as personal and said it was not linked to any political ideology, party policy or dissatisfaction with any individual.
“I have taken this decision entirely due to deep personal reasons. It has no connection with any political ideology, policy or dissatisfaction with any individual,” he said.
He also said he would neither join nor associate himself with any political party in the future.
Thanking BJP leaders, workers and supporters, Shekhar wished the party well. He also extended his wishes to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and expressed hope that Assam’s development journey would continue under his leadership.
Shekhar said his commitment to Assam and the Assamese community would remain unchanged.
Resignation follows Zubeen Garg remarks row
Shekhar’s resignation comes against the backdrop of his recent public criticism of BJP MLA Vijay Kumar Gupta over remarks concerning late Assamese singer Zubeen Garg.
Gupta, the BJP MLA from Guwahati Central, had reportedly said that Garg had sung around 3,000 songs. The remark drew criticism in Assam amid programmes and discussions surrounding Zubeen Dibash.
Responding to Gupta’s post, Shekhar urged the MLA to first understand Garg’s music and his contribution to Assamese society and culture before making public comments.
“First study Zubeen Garg properly, understand his music, contribution and place in Assam’s society and culture. Only then come before the media and make comments,” Shekhar wrote.
He further said that being a BJP member did not mean that every statement made by a fellow party member had to be supported.
“You may belong to the BJP; that is your political identity. But that does not mean we have to support every ignorant or irresponsible comment made about a legend like Zubeen Garg,” he said.
Shekhar also maintained that discussions about Garg’s contribution to Assamese culture should remain above political affiliations and that the late singer’s stature as an artist should be treated with respect.
However, Shekhar’s resignation statement itself does not identify the Zubeen Garg controversy as the reason for his decision. He specifically described his decision as personal and ruled out political ideology, party policy or dissatisfaction with any individual as the reason for leaving the BJP and relinquishing his government post.
