Overview
- Rejaul Karim Sarkar resigned on Wednesday following intense criticism of his comments about 'turning' Sivasagar, Tinsukia and other areas into districts like Dhubri.
- He had earlier issued a public apology and clarification, saying his intent was balanced development under a 'Bor Asom' vision rather than altering any region's character.
- Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma used the episode to attack Congress, alleging a bid to change district demographics and questioning Sarkar’s family origins outside Assam.
- Civil-society groups such as the Tai Ahom Yuba Parishad condemned the remarks and warned Congress to drop or boycott Sarkar within seven days.
- Congress leaders split over the fallout, with APCC chief Gaurav Gogoi urging restraint as Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia called the remark damaging ahead of elections.