Eminent Assamese singer-composer Simanta Shekhar has resigned as chairperson of the Assam State Film (Finance and Development) Corporation and quit the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), including its Assam state executive committee and primary membership.
He announced his decision through letters addressed to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and BJP state president Dilip Saikia. Shekhar thanked the Chief Minister for the opportunity to lead the corporation and said the guidance from Sarma will remain a memorable experience. He also expressed gratitude to senior party leaders, colleagues, and workers for their support and respect during his time with the BJP.
Shekhar said his resignation stemmed from deeply personal reasons and clarified it was unrelated to political views, government policies, or dissatisfaction with any individual. He stated that he would not affiliate with any political party in the future, signaling his withdrawal from formal party politics.
The resignation followed Shekhar's public criticism of BJP MLA Vijay Kumar Gupta over comments about Assamese cultural icon Zubeen Garg. Gupta had stated that Garg had sung around 3,000 songs, a remark that drew criticism and later an apology from the MLA. Shekhar urged Gupta to understand Garg’s contribution to Assamese culture before making public comments and emphasized that respect for cultural figures should transcend political affiliations. He added that Assam’s cultural identity and emotions should remain above politics.
On Monday, Shekhar said he would continue to speak openly on issues, citing Zubeen Garg’s willingness to express views and oppose political ideologies when necessary. His resignation marks his exit from both the BJP and his government-linked film corporation role, and he has confirmed he does not plan to join another political party.
