In a significant development for Assam’s political landscape, working president of Assam Pradesh Congress Committee, Rana Goswami, has tendered his resignation from the party amid widespread speculations indicating his imminent switch to the BJP. Goswami’s decision comes amid a growing discord within the state Congress leadership and a trend of defections to the ruling BJP.
Goswami, a former MLA from Jorhat, formally submitted his resignation on February 28, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing political realignment in the state. His departure from Congress signifies a substantial loss for the party, given his influential role as a senior leader.
The resignation of Rana Goswami follows a pattern of dissent within the Assam Congress leadership, with Congress MLA Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha recently stepping down from the position of Assam Pradesh Congress Committee working president. Purkayastha, along with another incumbent MLA, Basanta Das from Mangaldai, has pledged support to the BJP-led government, further exacerbating the crisis within the Congress ranks.
Goswami hinted at his impending political move, stating that he would disclose his ‘political future’ by the end of February 28. He expressed openness to remaining with the Congress if convinced by the All India Congress Committee (AICC) leadership but signaled a readiness to explore alternative paths should no such resolution emerge.
Notably, Rana Goswami is scheduled to meet with Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on the evening of February 28, indicating the likelihood of discussions regarding his potential transition to the BJP fold.
Goswami’s departure underscores the challenges faced by the Assam Congress as it grapples with internal dissent and a shifting political landscape dominated by the BJP. His decision could have far-reaching implications for the balance of power in the state ahead of forthcoming elections.
