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The Congress party in Bihar has faced a major setback right after the conclusion of assembly elections, with senior leader and former state president Shakeel Ahmad announcing his resignation. Ahmad, a five-time MLA and MP, said he was leaving the party with a heavy heart, though he maintained that his belief in the Congresss ideology and principles would never change.Longtime Congress Leader Ends Political JourneyIn a detailed letter, Ahmad recalled how he had earlier informed the party about his decision to withdraw from active politics. Kindly recall my letter dated April 16, 2023, in which I had informed the party that I would never contest any election in the future, he wrote. Ahmad added that none of his three sons, all residing in Canada, were interested in entering politics. Recently, I had also declared that all three of my sons live in Canada and none of them has any interest in politics, so they will not contest elections either, he said.However, he admitted that staying within the party was no longer possible. I had assured that I would remain with the Congress throughout my life. But, Mr. President, that now seems impossible, he mentioned.Not Joining Any Other PartyClarifying his stance, Ahmad stated, With a very heavy heart, I have decided to resign from the membership of the Congress Party. However, leaving the party does not mean that I am joining any other political organization. I have no intention of joining any other party.Despite resigning, Ahmad reaffirmed his lifelong loyalty to the Congress. Like my ancestors, I have unwavering faith in the policies and principles of the Congress, and I will continue to be its well-wisher and supporter for life. Even the last vote of my life will go in favor of the Congress, he wrote.Familys Generational Bond with the CongressAhmad underscored his familys deep-rooted association with the party. For your information, my grandfather, the late Ahmad Ghafoor, was elected as a Congress MLA in 1937. After his death in 1948, my father, Shakoor Ahmad, was elected as a Congress MLA five times between 1952 and 1977 and held various positions. Following his death in 1981, I myself have been elected five times as an MLA and MP on the Congress ticket since 1985, he wrote.Did Not Want to Affect VotingAhmad said that he had made up his mind to quit earlier but chose to announce it only after the polls concluded. I had already decided to resign from the party membership earlier, but I am announcing it today after the polling has ended because I did not want any wrong message to go out before voting, nor did I wish for the party to lose even five votes because of me, he explained.Though he could not campaign due to health issues, Ahmad expressed optimism about the partys performance. Though I could not take part in the campaign due to ill health, I still hope that Congress will increase its tally this time and our alliance will form a strong government, he said.Ending his letter, Ahmad noted, While I may have differences with certain individuals currently in power within the party, my faith in the partys policies and principles remains unshaken. Please consider this letter as my resignation from the primary membership of the Indian National Congress.
