Daijiworld Media Network - Patna
Patna, Nov 12: Soon after the completion of polling for the Bihar Assembly elections, senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Dr Shakeel Ahmad tendered his resignation from the party’s primary membership, citing personal differences with certain individuals within the organisation.
In a letter addressed to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Dr Ahmad said that his decision came “with a heavy heart,” adding that he had deliberately waited until polling concluded to ensure his resignation did not affect the party’s electoral prospects.
“I had already decided to resign earlier, but I am announcing it today after voting has concluded because I did not want any wrong message to go out before polling or cause the party to lose even five votes because of me,” he wrote.
A five-time MLA and MP, Dr Ahmad clarified that his decision was not driven by any disagreement with the Congress’s ideology. “This separation does not mean I am joining any other party or group. I have no intention of doing so. Like my ancestors, I have unwavering faith in the policies and principles of the Congress, and I will remain a well-wisher and supporter of those values throughout my life. My last vote will also be cast in favour of the Congress,” he stated.
The veteran leader also reflected on his family’s deep-rooted association with the party, recalling that his grandfather, Ahmed Ghafoor, was elected as a Congress MLA in 1937, and his father, Shakur Ahmed, served as a Congress MLA for five terms between 1952 and 1977.
Dr Ahmad further mentioned that he had already informed the party through a letter dated April 16, 2023, about his decision not to contest any future elections. He added that his sons, who live in Canada, have no interest in pursuing political careers.
Expressing optimism for the party’s performance in the recently concluded elections, he said, “Due to ill health, I was unable to campaign, but I hope the Congress will increase its seats and that our alliance will form a strong government.”
Concluding his letter, Dr Ahmad reiterated that though he had personal differences with some leaders in positions of power within the party, his faith in the Congress’s values and ideology remains unwavering.