Guwahati, Feb. 18 -- Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday stated that Bhupen Bora's resignation from the Congress was a "separation" of the party from Hindu society, labelling the former Congress leader as the last recognised Hindu leader within the state's Congress party.

While addressing the media, the Assam Chief Minister said, "Bhupen Bora was the last recognised Hindu leader of the Congress. Apart from him, if you ask about Debabrata Saikia, he is the son of Hiteshwar Saikia; Gaurav Gogoi is the son of Tarun Gogoi; Pradyut Bordoloi himself wins from a minority seat. Bhupen Bora was the last legitimate Hindu face of the Congress. His resignation is, in a way, like the Congress separating itself from Hindu society." ...