Simanta Shekhar quits BJP, resigns as Assam Film Corporation chairman
Synopsis
Assamese singer-turned-politician Simanta Shekhar walked away from the BJP and his chairmanship of the Assam State Film Corporation on 22 September, insisting it was personal and ruling out any switch to a rival party — leaving Assam's political watchers with few answers about what actually prompted the exit.
Key Takeaways
Simanta Shekhar resigned from the Assam State Film (Finance and Development) Corporation chairmanship on 22 September 2026 .
He also stepped down from the BJP Assam state executive committee and surrendered his primary party membership.
Resignation letters were submitted to CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and state BJP president Dilip Saikia .
Shekhar cited personal reasons and ruled out any dissatisfaction with the BJP or its ideology.
He confirmed he will not join any other political party in the future.
A successor at the film corporation has not yet been named .
Assamese singer and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Simanta Shekhar on Tuesday, 22 September 2026, announced his resignation from the chairmanship of the Assam State Film (Finance and Development) Corporation, stepped down from the BJP Assam state executive committee, and relinquished his primary membership of the party. Shekhar submitted his resignation letters to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and BJP Assam state president Dilip Saikia.
What Shekhar Said
In a formal statement, Shekhar was categorical that the decision was entirely personal and bore no connection to dissatisfaction with the BJP's ideology, policies, or internal functioning. He also made clear the move was not directed against any individual within the organisation.
'I have decided to step down entirely for personal reasons,' Shekhar said, adding that he would not join or associate himself with any political party going forward. He extended best wishes to BJP leaders, workers, and supporters, and expressed hope that the party would continue its service to the people of Assam.
His Role in Assam's Film Sector
Shekhar's departure ends a dual public role — as a cultural figure and as a government-linked administrator in the state's film industry. The Assam State Film (Finance and Development) Corporation's official website still listed him as Chairman at the time of the announcement. Details of his successor are awaited. His resignation marks a clean break from both his organisational position in the BJP and his state-appointed responsibilities.
Broader Political Context
The exit comes at a moment of heightened political activity in Assam, with parties gearing up for upcoming electoral and organisational engagements. Notably, Shekhar's statement gave no indication of any immediate political realignment, ruling out an association with a rival party. He separately conveyed good wishes to Chief Minister Sarma and said he hoped Assam would continue on its path of development under Sarma's leadership.
What Remains Unchanged
Despite stepping away from active politics, Shekhar affirmed that his ties to the Assamese community and cultural identity would remain intact. He concluded by reiterating that his 'love, respect and commitment' towards Assam and its people would endure beyond his political tenure. The search for his replacement at the film corporation is expected to begin shortly.
Point of View
No new allegiance, no policy critique — is unusual in Indian politics, where exits are almost always arrows pointed at someone. The absence of a target raises more questions than it answers. His timing, amid rising pre-election activity in Assam, invites scrutiny even if his words do not. Whether this is a genuine personal withdrawal or the opening move in an unannounced repositioning will become clearer in the weeks ahead. The vacancy at the Assam State Film Corporation also hands Chief Minister Sarma a patronage appointment to manage at a politically sensitive moment.
NationPress
22 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Simanta Shekhar resign from the BJP?
Simanta Shekhar said his resignation from the BJP and from the Assam State Film Corporation chairmanship was entirely for personal reasons. He explicitly stated it was not linked to any dissatisfaction with the party's ideology, policies, or functioning, and was not directed against any individual.
What positions did Simanta Shekhar hold in the BJP?
Shekhar held primary membership of the BJP and served on the BJP Assam state executive committee. He also chaired the Assam State Film (Finance and Development) Corporation, a government-linked body overseeing the state's film sector.
Will Simanta Shekhar join another political party?
No. Shekhar explicitly stated he would not join or associate himself with any political party in the future, ruling out any immediate realignment.
Who did Simanta Shekhar submit his resignation to?
He submitted his resignation letters to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and BJP Assam state president Dilip Saikia on 22 September 2026.
Who will replace Simanta Shekhar as Assam Film Corporation chairman?
No successor has been named yet. Details regarding Shekhar's replacement at the Assam State Film (Finance and Development) Corporation are awaited, and the state government is expected to announce an appointment in due course.
