The Congress party has accused BJP supporters of attacking vehicles participating in its 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' in Assam. The incident reportedly took place in North Lakhimpur, with Assam Congress president Bhupen Kumar Borah condemning the alleged assault on party members and vandalism of banners.
Vandalism and Intimidation: Assam Congress president Bhupen Kumar Borah claimed that on Friday night, posters and hoardings welcoming the Yatra were torn, and party members putting them up were allegedly thrashed. Additionally, two vehicles used to carry displays were damaged, and Congress workers were reportedly threatened by miscreants.
Police Complaints Filed: Borah mentioned that the Congress has filed two police complaints—one regarding the assault on party workers and vehicle damage, and another about the tearing of posters. He asserted that the attackers' car belonged to an individual with close ties to the local BJP MLA.
Denial by Assam DGP: In response to the allegations, Assam DGP Gyanendra Pratap Singh denied any targeting of political party vehicles, emphasizing the peaceful entry of the Yatra into Arunachal Pradesh. However, Congress shared a video, purportedly showing individuals tearing down posters with Congress leaders' images.
Congress Leadership Condemns Attack: Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the attack, accusing "BJP goons" of tearing Congress party banners and posters. Kharge asserted that such incidents would not deter the party. He criticized the BJP for attempting to suppress democratic voices.
Union Home Minister's Response: Union Home Minister Amit Shah countered the Congress allegations, claiming that individuals in Assam, who lost relatives during Congress rule, opposed the 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.' Shah made these remarks at an event in Guwahati.
Permission Denied for Guwahati Entry: The Congress also claimed that its Yatra was denied permission to pass through Guwahati, the state's largest city. Police maintained that the request was "under consideration," adding another layer of tension to the ongoing political confrontation.
Congress Leaders' Statements: Party treasurer Ajay Maken accused Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of orchestrating the attacks, labeling him a "coward" who switched to the BJP after receiving just one CBI notice. Maken presented CCTV recordings of the alleged incidents at a press conference.
Response on Social Media: Congress leaders shared videos and updates on social media to highlight the alleged attacks, with AICC general secretary K C Venugopal accusing Sarma's "goons" of vandalizing Congress posters and vehicles. Jairam Ramesh criticized Sarma for denying permission for the Yatra to enter Guwahati.
As the 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' led by Rahul Gandhi progresses through Assam, the reported attacks on vehicles and vandalism of party materials have escalated tensions between the Congress and BJP. The political standoff adds an intense backdrop to the Yatra, with both sides standing firm in their narratives.
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