New Delhi:
Amar Singh has resigned as Samajwadi Party General Secretary and spokesman and also as member of the party's parliamentary board.
Singh, who is in many ways the national face of the party, has cited health reasons for his decision, saying that he could not cope with the pressure of party work and that doctors had advised he take it easy. Speaking to NDTV, Amar Singh said, "At the age of 53, I am entitled to earned leave. After 20 years of hard work, I want to look after my family and my children."
He categorically denied he was quitting active politics, and did not rule out joining any other party, though he did say he would not do so at his own initiative. But he also said he would accept a limited role in the Samajwadi Party if party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav planned some division of labour.
Singh said he had tried to quit thrice before, but Mulayam had not agreed. But this time he was adamant he would not "listen to Mulayam Singh, even if it means disobedience." He did say though that he would never speak against Mulayam Singh "all my life", brushing aside the suggestion that he has indeed been openly voicing his dissent in recent times.
In saying so Amar Singh did not attempt to hide the bitterness when he talked about being alone in Singapore, where he underwent surgery. He has said before that he was hurt no one from the party visited him. (
Watch: Your Call, Amar's first show of anger on Nov 29)
Amar Singh's latest move is being seen as an attempt to re-assert his position within the party. He has had open differences with various leaders of the Samajwadi Party, most recently with the Muslim face of the party, Azam Khan, during the Lok Sabha elections.
The socialite-politician has been vocal about his unhappiness with his party and party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav for quite a few months now. He has used interviews and even his blog lately to voice his displeasure against the way things are being run in the Samajwadi Party, not least the growing influence of Mulayam's son Akhilesh Yadav. Amar Singh had lashed out at the party leadership for the loss of the Faizabad seat in UP late last year saying over-confidence cost the party the by-election. (
Watch: There's a limit to patience, says Amar on May 8)
Interestingly, Amar Singh has had words praise for Congress president Sonia Gandhi on his blog recently. But he was at pains to make clear that this was not a political statement, as much as an appreciation of her humanity.
If Amar Singh is not placated this time, it will be a blow for the Samajwadi Party. For many years he has been the urban, strategic face of the party and has been a key player whenever the party has gone in for critical alliances.
The resignation comes just a day before the UP goes for elections for 36 Legislative Council seats. But Amar Singh was clear the party would do well and not miss his presence. "There are others in party who can perform. No one is indispensable," he said.
Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav however refrained from commenting on Amar Singh's resignation from all posts, saying he had not received any direct communication and will speak in a couple of days after "ascertaining all the facts". (
Read: Mulayam downplays Amar Singh's resignation)