Assam Trinamool Congress (TMC) President Ripun Bora announced his resignation from the party on Sunday, citing widespread concerns that TMC is perceived as a regional party from West Bengal. Bora expressed his disillusionment with the party’s inability to counter the BJP effectively in Assam due to this perception.
Bora explained, “I initially believed that TMC could bolster our efforts against the BJP in Assam. However, it’s become clear that the people of Assam view TMC as a party rooted in Bengal, despite their respect for Mamata Banerjee. Since the people of Assam are not receptive to TMC, I realized that continuing with the party would yield no results and would only waste my time and energy.”
To address the perception issues, Bora suggested several measures, including appointing an Assamese leader at the national level, declaring Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika’s residence in Tollygunge as a heritage site, and transforming Madhupur Satra in Cooch Behar into a cultural hub. These steps, he believed, could help counter the perception of TMC as a regional party of West Bengal.
Bora also revealed his frustration with the lack of response from TMC National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to his repeated attempts to address these concerns. His unsuccessful efforts to engage with party leadership further influenced his decision to resign.
Bora concluded, “Having served as Assam TMC President for over two years, it is clear that the party’s image as a regional entity from West Bengal has impeded our progress. The people of Assam are unwilling to accept a party from another state. Consequently, I have decided to dissociate myself from TMC.”