Dhubri, Aug. 20: Abdur Rahman, the AIUDF legislator from South Salmara and son of party chief Badruddin Ajmal, has said he would not contest the Assembly polls in 2016.

The MLA said this while addressing a party workers' meeting at Dhubri district library auditorium here on Tuesday.

The AIUDF organised the meet to strengthen the party at the grassroots. It was attended by a host of leaders, including Badruddin Ajmal.

Resentment has been brewing among common people and a section of AIUDF workers on non-development of four Assembly constituencies represented by AIUDF legislators.

The All Assam Minorities Students' Union (AAMSU) is also up against the AIUDF legislators and Dhubri MP Badruddin Ajmal and burnt effigies of Rahman and his father last week in Fakirganj.

A party source said during the meeting, party workers of South Salmara raised voice of protest against Rahman alleging non-development of the constituency and rampant corruption by Pampara-Chatlapar gaon panchayat president Sahidur Islam.

"Despite our several complaints to South Salmara legislator (Abdur Rahman) and party leaders, no action was taken against Sahidur and many others. Under these circumstances, how can we strengthen party at the grassroots when our minimum grievances are not addressed?" asked a party worker.

Party workers said sensing the voice of resentment against him, Rahman stood up and announced that he would not contest next year's polls.

"I will not contest next year's Assembly polls from South Salmara constituency. You select your candidate and I will campaign for him," Rahman reportedly said.

However, some party workers said jolted by allegations of non-development, Rahman took this decision in haste perhaps to silence his detractors in the AIUDF and Opposition parties.

Later, Rahman, however, told this correspondent that if the party wants then he might contest.

Senior AIUDF leader and legislator Hafiz Basir Ahmed Kasemi said one should not read too much into Rahman's statement of not contesting Assembly polls next year.

"Rahman said this without thinking as allegations and counter-allegations were flying thick and fast. Things will get better after completion of party workers' meets in all 10 Assembly segments under Dhubri parliamentary constituency," Kasemi added.

The meeting was presided over by president of the South Salmara district unit of the AIUDF, Abdul Awal. Ajmal, his son, MLA of Bilasipara (West) Kasemi, Dhubri MLA Jahan Uddin and the party's organisational secretary Aminul Islam attended the meeting.