Firebrand Shiv Sena member of Parliament Sanjay Nirupam on Wednesday resigned from the party.

In a letter written to party chief Bal Thackeray, Nirupam said he has time and again been prevented from raising his voice against corruption. Nirupam also quotes his differences with the party over North Indians migrating to Mumbai as a trigger for his decision to sever ties with the Sena.

The letter says the party's alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party has been a stumbling block in his fight against corruption and nepotism.

In Mumbai, senior Sena leader and former Maharashtra chief minister Narayan Rane said Nirupam was asked to resign.

Rane asserted that Nirupam's resignation will not affect the party or its north Indian base.

Nirupam has also given up his Rajya Sabha seat.

From rediff archives:
Exclusive interview with Sanjay Nirupam