GUWAHATI: As the nation braces itself for the historic consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya tomorrow, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has urged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to refrain from visiting the birthplace of Srimanta Sankardeva at Batadrava on the same day.
Speaking to the press on Sunday, Chief Minister Sarma highlighted the need to avoid any “unnecessary competition” between the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple and Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Batadrava.
He stated, “There can be no competition between Lord Ram and the medieval age Vaishnav saint revered as an icon in the state. We will request Rahul Gandhi not to visit Batadrava on Monday during the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple as it will reflect Assam in the wrong light,” Sarma added.
He suggested that Gandhi could visit after the consecration ceremony to avoid any potential controversy.
Concerned about potential law and order situations, Sarma announced the deployment of commandos along “sensitive routes”, particularly in minority-dominated areas, during Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra on January 22.
The chosen route through Morigaon, Jagiroad, and Nellie has been deemed “sensitive”, and Sarma has directed District Commissioners and Superintendents of Police to enhance patrolling and maintain a strict vigil.
Since the yatra entered Assam, exchange of jibes between Rahul Gandhi and Chief Minister Sarma has continued, with both leaders accusing each other of fear.
Rahul Gandhi remarked, “He (Sarma) is scared. The chief minister is corrupt…” In response, Sarma quipped, “Rahul Gandhi pehle toh mujhse darta tha, ab mere bacche se bhi darna shuru kar diya.”
Meanwhile, several states, including Assam, have declared a “dry day” ahead of the temple consecration, prohibiting the sale of alcoholic drinks.
Assam has further imposed restrictions on the sale of meat, with Chief Minister Sarma explaining, “Restaurants in Assam will not serve meat up to 2 pm tomorrow, and meat and fish shops too would follow the restrictions and would only sell meat and fish after 4 pm.”
Sarma highlighted the government’s consideration for people’s livelihoods while maintaining the sanctity of the occasion.
