Amid the ongoing student agitation and the bandh call across parts of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Monday, a local office-bearer of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) has resigned from his post, citing disagreement with the party’s position on the proposed higher education restructuring in the islands.
Mitun Das, who served as Vice President of BJYM in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has submitted his resignation to BJP leader Anil Kumar Tiwari, stating that he was stepping down with immediate effect.
In his resignation letter dated February 16, a copy of which has been reviewed by The Wave Andaman, Das said the decision was taken after “deep dissatisfaction” with what he described as the party’s support for the establishment of a deemed-to-be university in the islands.
He wrote that the move, in his view, goes against the “genuine interests, aspirations, and demands of local students, parents, and islanders,” adding that he and his team stand in solidarity with those opposing the proposed academic transition.
Das further stated in the letter that when a political responsibility cannot be used to serve the welfare of the people, particularly the youth, continuing in such a role becomes “meaningless.” He said his resignation was guided by “honesty, integrity, and moral responsibility” in the context of what he described as an issue affecting the future of island students.
The letter was copied to the State President of BJYM in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Member of Parliament from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and the BJP District President in Diglipur for information and necessary action.
Adding to the political unease, Abdul Basheer, Zilla Parishad Member from Ferrargunj, has also resigned from all responsibilities and positions associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Andaman & Nicobar Islands, with immediate effect.
In his resignation letter dated February 16 and addressed to the BJP President in the islands, Basheer said he was unable to continue with the party in view of its present stand on student concerns related to the proposed Deemed University framework. He said students’ anxieties over academic future, degree credibility, and financial burden need to be addressed with sensitivity and support.
“As a public representative and Zilla Parishad Member, my foremost responsibility is towards the people, especially the youth whose future is directly affected by such decisions,” Basheer wrote, adding that his conscience did not permit him to remain aligned with a position that may adversely impact island students.
The twin resignations come at a sensitive juncture, with student-led protests continuing across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands against the proposed changes in higher education governance. While the agitation has largely remained student-driven, the latest developments indicate growing political discomfort within sections of the BJP and its youth wing.
So far, there has been no official response from the BJP or BJYM leadership in the islands regarding the resignations. The developments are expected to add a sharper political dimension to the ongoing education debate, even as the administration has appealed for calm and urged stakeholders to pursue dialogue.
