In major setback for Congress in Uttar Pradesh as Naseemuddin Siddiqui resigns from party

The Congress party, which is striving to strengthen its political base in Uttar Pradesh, suffered a major setback on Saturday when former regional president and senior leader Naseemuddin Siddiqui resigned from the primary membership of the Congress party.

Naseemuddin Siddiqui has sent his resignation to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Uttar Pradesh in-charge Avinash Pandey, and State President Ajay Rai, sources here on Saturday said.

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The resignation is being seen as a major political blow to the Congress in a crucial state like Uttar Pradesh. However, according to sources, State President Ajay Rai may visit him at his residence to persuade him. Currently, senior party leaders are trying to contact Siddiqui and convince him to reconsider his decision.

Although Siddiqui has not cited any specific reason in his resignation letter, party sources say he had been unhappy with the top leadership for a long time and felt sidelined within the party. It is being reported that he has resigned from Congress along with several of his supporters.

In his statement, he said he had joined the Congress with all his colleagues to fight against the injustice caused by casteism and communalism. But he is unable to fight this battle within the Congress.

Naseemuddin Siddiqui said he has no complaints against any Congress office-bearer, but the work for which he joined the party is not being accomplished.

He said that consultations are being held with all those who have resigned with him. They will join whichever party they agree upon to continue fighting for the people’s cause.

Earlier Naseemuddin Siddiqui, a former UP minister, was a close associate of BSP president Mayawati but left the party way back and joined the Congress.