Bihar Mahila Congress president Dr. Sarwat Jahan Fatima on Thursday resigned from her post, triggering a stir within the state Congress organisation. She sent her resignation to All India Congress Committee (AICC) national president Mallikarjun Kharge, stating that she was stepping down on “moral grounds” after women received only 8% representation in the recent Assembly election ticket distribution.
Fatima also announced her resignation on social media, writing “There are many parameters in politics, but in my 25-year political journey, I have measured myself only against morality and fearlessness. This time, Congress offered merely 8% representation to women in ticket distribution — leading to zero women leadership for the party in both Houses. I accept this with deep pain and a sense of moral accountability.”
In her formal resignation letter, Fatima asserted that the Congress giving an extremely low number of tickets to women “runs contrary to the party’s core principles of women’s leadership and empowerment.” She pointed out that the Mahila Congress president has traditionally been given a ticket in Assembly elections — but this time, even as a minority woman leader, the tradition was broken.
Fatima highlighted that under her 28-month tenure, the Mahila Congress organisation was expanded down to the booth level, supported through training, campaigns, door-to-door outreach, and initiatives to engage socially and economically marginalised women in decision-making processes.
She also recalled the historical legacy of women’s empowerment within the Congress, referring to the contributions of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, former PM Rajiv Gandhi, and Congress leader Sonia Gandhi in increasing political opportunities for women. Rahul Gandhi’s slogan “Nari Nyay — Aadhi Aabadi, Poora Haq” (Justice for Women — Complete Rights for Half the Population) was also mentioned.
Fatima clarified that her decision was not driven by anger or resentment, but rather by loyalty to Congress and a sincere commitment to women’s rights.
“Positions may change, but struggle and commitment do not. I will continue to work with full dedication for Congress and for women’s rights,” she stated.
Her resignation comes at a time when dissatisfaction is rising within the Bihar Congress following the election results. The departure of a prominent woman and minority leader is now expected to intensify questions surrounding the party’s internal structure, representation, and strategy.
So far, the Congress high command has not issued any official response regarding the resignation. Meanwhile, political observers believe the move could significantly influence organisational and strategic dynamics within the state Congress.
