Hemant Katare breaks silence on resignation:Congress MLA says ‘Assembly avoids serious issues’; adds, ‘We are from Chambal — we celebrate FIRs’

Congress MLA Hemant Katare, who represents the Ater constituency, has broken his silence after writing to the party leadership expressing his desire to be relieved from the post of Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly. Katare said his decision was driven by frustration over the lack of discussion on serious public interest issues in the House. Speaking to Bhaskar, Katare confirmed that he had sent a letter to the Congress national president seeking to step down from the position. He clarified that the letter was sent only to the party’s top leadership and was not intended for public circulation. “I have written to the national president expressing my wish to be relieved from the responsibility. Such decisions are taken with a heavy heart. I have placed my feelings before the appropriate authority, and I will accept whatever decision the party takes,” he said. ‘Serious issues not discussed in assembly’ Katare said his decision was not related to any dissatisfaction with the party but was linked to the functioning of the assembly. He claimed that important issues affecting the public were not being discussed despite his efforts. “For major matters, whether it is the Bhopal beef issue or deaths in the Bhagirathpura case, I spend nights collecting facts so that I can raise them in the House. But when I reach the assembly, I find that these issues are not taken up for discussion. The government appears reluctant to debate serious matters,” he said. He added that balancing his roles as MLA and Deputy Leader of Opposition had also affected his ability to devote time to his family and constituency. “I was giving full time to my responsibilities, but because of this, I could not attend family functions or visit people in my constituency during difficult times. This made me reflect on my role,” he said. ‘My voice will remain strong’ Dismissing suggestions that stepping down would weaken his political voice, Katare said he would continue to raise issues forcefully in the assembly. “This is a misunderstanding. I have not resigned from speaking. My voice will remain as strong as before. I do not speak because of any post, but because of the support of the people and the values I inherited from my father,” he said. He also said the BJP should not assume his move would reduce pressure on the government. “Issues of corruption and public interest will continue to be raised with full strength,” he added. Party decision final, says Katare Responding to remarks by Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Jitu Patwari that the party would decide on the resignation, Katare said he would abide by the leadership’s decision. “For me, nothing is bigger than the party. I have expressed my wish, but whatever direction the national president gives, I will follow it,” he said. Rejects pressure, denies political switch rumours On allegations that reopening of old cases had influenced his decision, Katare denied being under pressure and ruled out any plans to join the BJP. “I come from the soil of Chambal. FIRs do not scare us. We face such challenges openly and strongly,” he said. He added that he remained committed to opposition politics and would continue to hold the government accountable. “My age is for long-term politics. Those who target my family, party or workers will receive a political response,” he said. Cited family and constituency responsibilities in letter In his resignation letter, Katare wrote that he was stepping down as he could not devote adequate time to his family and the people of his constituency while handling the additional responsibility. The Congress leadership is yet to take a final decision on his request.