AIUDF MLA resigns amid fresh turmoil ahead of Assam polls

Guwahati: All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) faced fresh internal turbulence in Assam ahead of the assembly elections after party MLA Zakir Hussain Laskar of the Hailakandi constituency resigned on Friday.Laskar’s resignation came a day after the party suspended two MLAs amid reports that they were preparing to defect to the BJP’s ally, the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP). Laskar has not disclosed the reasons for his decision, and the party has not made public any explanation cited by him.Party sources said the leadership would consider the matter and indicated Laskar was likely to join the AGP soon.The development follows the AIUDF’s decision to suspend Abdul Aziz (Badarpur) and Karim Uddin Barbhuiya (Sonai), who also served as a party vice-president, for alleged anti-party activities.

The central committee suspended both leaders for six years.In its suspension order, the AIUDF said it had been closely monitoring the MLAs’ activities, describing them as controversial and detrimental to the organisation’s interests. The party alleged their actions had harmed its image, violated party discipline, and amounted to extending support to another political party while preparing to switch allegiance.

The order was issued under provisions of the party constitution and signed by AIUDF general secretary (administration) Hafiz Bashir Ahmed.On Thursday, Barbhuiya announced his decision to leave the party, writing, “I decided to leave the AIUDF. I have taken this decision after consulting people from different sections of society for the sake of peace and harmony,” he wrote.Barbhuiya did not spell out his next political move, but speculation has intensified that he may join the AGP and contest again from the Sonai seat in Cachar district. He has been known to have close proximity with CM Himanta Biswa Sarma in recent years.Barbhuiya, a prominent leader from southern Assam, has represented the Sonai assembly constituency in the politically significant Barak Valley region and has been associated with the AIUDF for several years.