Boro, a former president of the regional party, who was three days ago projected by the party dissidents as their candidate to replace Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, resigned as he was caught in a controversy over the row between the pro-Mahanta and the anti-Mahanta camps.

"I tender my resignation from the office of Minister, Education, Assam, in the interest of unity amongst the members of the Asom Gana Parishad and the people of Assam," Boro in his letter to Chief Minister Mahanta said.

The resignation of Boro has complicated the crisis in the AGP as there were several contradictory statements attributed to him and carried by several local newspapers.

While some newspapers quoted him as saying that he had "full" faith on Mahanta, the senior leader had also stated earlier that he had no objection to bea candidate to contest Mahanta for the post of leader of the AGP legislature party.

The resignation of Boro today was hailed by the dissidents led by former PWD minister Atul Bora, who has been backed up by former home minister Bhrigu Kumar Phukan, former education minister Brindaban Goswami and former speaker Pulakesh Barua.

"Some newspapers have been playing mischief with Boro. He is on our side in this campaign to dislodge Mahanta. Today's resignation proves this beyond doubt," said Atul Bora, when contacted.

Chief Minister Mahanta was however not available for comments as he is out in Shonitpur district to attend some official function. Boro on the other hand has refused to talk beyond what has been mentioned in his resignation letter.