A Bharatiya Janata Party MLA submitted his resignation to Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, hours after the State government approved the appointment of 10 legislators - among 49 people - as heads of corporations and boards on Monday night.
Some of the MLAs appointed - Ramendra Narayan Kalita of Asom Gana Parishad, Emmanuel Mosahary of Bodoland People’s Front and Ashok Singhal of BJP, for instance -- have been given the status of Cabinet Ministers. Two former chief secretaries and some Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh members have also been accommodated.
BJP legislator Terash Gowalla shot off his resignation letter on Tuesday morning. He represents the Duliajan Assembly constituency.
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“I am distancing myself from all responsibilities of the party with immediate effect,” Mr Gowalla said, pointing out “gross anomalies” in the appointments approved by the Chief Minister.
He was particularly critical of the appointment of BJP legislator Bolin Chetia as the chairperson of Assam Gas Company Ltd in the rank and status of a Cabinet Minister. Mr Chetia represents the Sadiya Assembly constituency.
A spokesperson in the Chief Minister’s office confirmed receiving Mr Gowalla’s resignation letter.
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A BJP leader pointed out the MLA could have taken an impulsive decision. “The letter should ideally have been submitted to the State party president, but we will try to pacify him,” he said.