Sitting Silchar MLA Dilip Kr Paul resigns from BJP, to contest as independent candidate

Ending a 37 year association with the Bharatiya Janata Party, two-time legislator from Silchar LAC Dilip Kumar Paul, who has been denied poll ticket, has tendered his resignation on Wednesday and announced that he will contest as an independent candidate from Silchar in the Assembly elections.

"With a heavy heart and huge disappointment, having been insulted by the party, I have tendered my resignation from the BJP on Wednesday and conveyed my decision in writing to the district, state and national BJP leadership. I have trust among the people of Silchar and wish to see if my acceptability is retained as an independent candidate in the electoral battle," Paul told reporters.

Interestingly, barring Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Paul has alleged " a section of leaders of the BJP in the state have their hands dipped in many forms of corruption and are engaged in "syndicate" of even arms and drugs smuggling in the guise of bettle-nuts."

"I have tremendous respect for Chief Minister but it is saddening to see his hapless status in the party today. People who have years of association with BJP are been picked and thrown out or sidelined. Even former Union Minister Kabindra Purakayastha who moulded the party in Assam and North East is ignored. Those calling shots in the BJP today are all outsiders dishing out morality lessons. They must not forget that their hands are dipped in corruption. It mat be because of this upright stance, I have been denied to contest. But I have no regrets. I pin my hopes on the faith people have in me and will not compromise under any circumstances. If the BJP or the grand alliance is weaving hopes of easily sailing over in the election, it will not be anything but castles in the air," he was quoted as saying.