Assam Singer Simanta Shekhar Resigns from BJP, Steps Down as Film Corporation Chairman

Assamese singer and composer Simanta Shekhar has resigned from the BJP and stepped down as chairman of the Assam State Film (Finance and Development) Corporation.

Shekhar announced the decision in a Facebook post on Monday, stating that he had submitted his resignation to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and to the party's state president. Along with the chairmanship, he said he was relinquishing his position on the BJP's Assam state executive committee and giving up his primary membership of the party.

He described the move as a personal one, unconnected to political ideology, party policy or any individual grievance. "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," Shekhar said in the post. He added that he would not join or associate himself with any political party in the future.

Shekhar thanked BJP leaders, workers and supporters, and wished the party well. He also extended his wishes to Chief Minister Sarma, expressing hope that Assam's development journey would continue under his leadership. His commitment to Assam and the Assamese community, he said, would remain unchanged.

The resignation follows a public exchange in which Shekhar criticised BJP MLA Vijay Kumar Gupta over remarks concerning the late singer Zubeen Garg. Gupta, the MLA from Guwahati Central, had reportedly said that Garg had sung around 3,000 songs — a comment that drew criticism in Assam amid ongoing programmes and discussions around Zubeen Dibash.

Responding to the MLA's post, Shekhar urged him to study 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," he wrote.

He further argued that belonging to the BJP did not oblige members to endorse every statement made by a party colleague. "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 be kept above political affiliations and that the late singer's stature as an artist deserved due respect.

While the resignation comes shortly after the public exchange over the remarks on Zubeen Garg, Shekhar's statement did not cite that controversy as the reason for leaving the party or relinquishing his government post. He specifically described the decision as personal and ruled out political ideology, party policy or dissatisfaction with any individual as the cause.