India, Jan. 24 -- Former Uttar Pradesh minister Naseemuddin Siddiqui quit the Congress on Saturday along with 72 supporters, saying he was unable to work as per his wishes during his eight years in the party.

"No grudges against Rahul Gandhi and state [Congress] president Ajay Rai, who is like my brother," Siddiqui said in a statement. He added that he joined the Congress to fight casteism and communalism. Siddiqui said he would decide on his next move in consultation with his supporters. "I have not thought of joining any party as of now."

Siddiqui is believed to have been unhappy with the Congress leadership. On January 20, Siddiqui could not meet Rahul Gandhi despite rushing to the Lucknow airport from Moradabad to meet him while the...