Setback for Congress as Kamat resigns from party

Senior Congress leader from Mumbai Guru Das Kamat resigned from the Congress on Monday evening, saying “he would like to take a backseat to enable others to get the opportunity.”

Mr.Kamat, 61, served as the party’s general secretary in-charge and has been associated with the party for over 44 years.

“For several months now I have felt I need to take a backseat to enable others to get the opportunity. I met honourable Congress President about 10 days ago and expressed a desire to resign. Subsequently I sent letters to both Soniaji and Rahulji that I would like to exit. Since there was no reply I have formally informed that I would like to retire from politics,” Mr.Kamat said in a press release.

Kamat’s resignation comes in the backdrop of a serious debate over the leadership crisis in the party. Earlier in the day, senior Congress leader Ajit Jogi also announced his break up with the party as he floated his own outfit in Chattisgrah.

Mr.Kamat’s absence will certainly affect the party in Mumbai since the city is heading toward the municipal elections scheduled in 2017. Kamat had served as the Minister of State for Home Affairs between 2009 and 2011.