Assamese singer and politician Simanta Shekhar has resigned as chairman of the Assam State Film (Finance and Development) Corporation and quit the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Shekhar announced the decision on September 22, saying that he took the step for personal reasons.
He submitted his resignation from the film corporation as well as from the BJP’s Assam state executive committee and primary membership. Shekhar also clarified that his decision did not stem from dissatisfaction with the party’s ideology, policies or any individual leader.
The announcement marks a change in Shekhar’s political association after his involvement with the BJP and his role in the state’s film and cultural sector.
Shekhar Submits Resignation Letters
Shekhar said he submitted his resignation letters to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the state BJP president. His resignation from the film corporation brings an end to his tenure as chairman, subject to the formal processing of his resignation by the state government.
The Assam government’s official Film Finance Corporation website still listed Shekhar as chairman when the resignation became public. The corporation’s website identifies the chairman as the head of its Board of Directors.
Shekhar’s resignation from the organisation comes alongside his decision to leave the BJP. He has also stated that he does not plan to associate himself with any political party in the future.
His decision therefore involves both his government-appointed cultural position and his formal political membership.
Personal Reasons Behind Decision
In his statement, Shekhar described personal reasons as the sole basis for his resignation. He specifically ruled out political disagreements with the BJP.
He said his decision was not linked to the party’s ideology or policies. He also said that he had no dissatisfaction with any individual in the organisation.
This clarification is significant because Shekhar has held both cultural and political responsibilities in Assam. His decision to leave the BJP could otherwise lead to questions about his position on the party or the state government’s policies.
Instead, Shekhar has presented the move as a personal decision.
He also extended his best wishes to BJP leaders, workers and supporters. He wished the party success in its future activities and public service.
Shekhar Rules Out Future Political Association
Along with leaving the BJP, Shekhar said that he would not join or associate himself with another political party in the future.
The statement provides a clear indication of his immediate political position. He has chosen to step away from formal party politics rather than move to another political organisation.
At the same time, he has not indicated that he plans to withdraw from public life altogether. His statement focused on his continued connection with Assam and the Assamese community.
Shekhar said his love, respect and commitment towards Assam would remain unchanged.
Wishes Assam Continued Progress
Shekhar also expressed his good wishes to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. He said he hoped Assam’s development and progress would continue under the Chief Minister’s leadership.
His comments came as he announced his departure from the BJP. They also reinforced his statement that personal reasons, rather than political differences, prompted his decision.
Shekhar’s message maintained a positive tone towards his former political colleagues. He thanked and wished the party’s workers and supporters well as he stepped away from the organisation.
The statement did not identify any specific political dispute or policy disagreement behind his resignation.
Role in Assam’s Film Sector
Shekhar’s departure also affects the leadership of the Assam State Film (Finance and Development) Corporation. The corporation works under the state’s Department of Cultural Affairs and supports the development of Assamese cinema.
Its responsibilities include financing Assamese film production and providing financial assistance to artistes. It also works to preserve film-related materials through its film museum and archive.
The corporation can provide financial assistance to fresh and original film projects. Its existing framework allows it to support productions through loans, subsidies and other forms of assistance.
It also works to promote film festivals, training and other activities connected with the state’s film industry.
Shekhar served as chairman of the corporation’s Board of Directors. His resignation will therefore require the government to determine the next leadership arrangement.
Focus on Assam’s Creative Economy
During his tenure, Shekhar was involved in discussions around Assam’s growing creative economy. His recent public activities included work connected with the state’s proposed film and OTT policy.
The policy aims to strengthen Assam’s film industry and create greater opportunities for filmmakers and other professionals. Shekhar had earlier described the initiative as a transformative effort for the state’s creative economy.
The film corporation plays an important role in this ecosystem. It provides support to filmmakers and helps preserve Assam’s cinematic heritage.
The next chairman will inherit these responsibilities and will have to work with the government and film fraternity on future initiatives.
Government Website Yet to Reflect Change
Despite Shekhar’s public announcement, the Assam State Film (Finance and Development) Corporation website continued to list him as chairman at the time of reporting.
The official website identifies Simanta Shekhar as chairman and Dr Alekhya Baruah as vice-chairman. Prasanta Baruah, ACS, serves as managing director.
The difference between the public resignation announcement and the website listing may reflect the time required for the government to process the resignation and update its official records.
The state government is expected to take the necessary administrative steps following Shekhar’s resignation.
Political Career Comes to a Pause
Shekhar’s decision also marks a pause in his formal political career. By resigning from both the BJP’s state executive committee and primary membership, he has ended his organisational association with the party.
His statement makes clear that he does not intend to join another political party. This sets his current position apart from cases where politicians leave one party and immediately move to another.
For now, Shekhar has indicated that his connection with Assam remains his priority.
His background in music and public life also means that he remains connected to Assam’s cultural landscape beyond his political activities.
BJP Receives Shekhar’s Exit
Shekhar’s resignation comes as the BJP continues its organisational and political activities in Assam. His departure from the party adds a change within the state’s political landscape.
However, Shekhar himself has not linked his decision to any disagreement with the BJP. He expressed goodwill towards the party and its workers in his statement.
The reasons he provided remain personal, and no further details about those reasons have been made public.
This distinction is important in understanding the nature of his resignation. His departure from the BJP should therefore be viewed separately from claims about internal political disagreements unless further information emerges.
Impact on Assam’s Film Corporation
The immediate administrative impact will involve the leadership of the Assam State Film (Finance and Development) Corporation.
The corporation supports filmmakers through financial assistance and promotes the state’s film industry. It also maintains a film museum and archive. These responsibilities make its leadership important for Assam’s cultural sector.
The government will now have to decide who will take charge of the organisation after Shekhar’s exit.
The transition comes at a time when Assam’s film sector is seeking greater investment, stronger production support and wider opportunities for local filmmakers.
Shekhar’s Message to Assam
Despite leaving the BJP and resigning from the film corporation, Shekhar stressed that his relationship with Assam remains unchanged.
He expressed continued love and respect for the state and the Assamese community. His statement also wished for Assam’s continued development and progress.
The message suggests that his withdrawal from formal political responsibilities does not represent a withdrawal from his connection with public and cultural life in Assam.
His future activities remain unclear. However, his statement indicates that he intends to remain connected with Assam outside formal party politics.
Conclusion
Simanta Shekhar has resigned as chairman of the Assam State Film (Finance and Development) Corporation and quit the BJP’s Assam state executive committee and primary membership. He submitted his resignation letters to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the state BJP president.
Shekhar said personal reasons prompted the decision. He clarified that the move did not result from dissatisfaction with the BJP’s ideology, policies or any individual. He also said he would not associate himself with another political party in the future.
His resignation will also bring a leadership change at the state film corporation. The organisation supports Assamese filmmakers, provides financial assistance and promotes the state’s film heritage.
While Shekhar has stepped away from formal political and government-appointed roles, he said his love, respect and commitment towards Assam and the Assamese community will remain unchanged.