GUWAHATI: In a fresh escalation of political tensions in Assam, the Congress has accused the BJP-led government of orchestrating an attack on their ongoing Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, on Sunday.
Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh claimed that his vehicle was targeted by an “unruly BJP crowd” during the yatra in Sonitpur on January 21.
The alleged incident unfolded at Jamugurihat, where Ramesh accused the crowd of tearing off yatra stickers and shouting anti-yatra slogans. Reportedly, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee chief, Bhupen Borah too sustained injuries in the attack.
Ramesh took to a social media platform, asserting that they maintained composure, waved to the alleged hooligans, and continued with their journey. Blaming Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for the attack, Ramesh wrote, “This is undoubtedly the Assam CM @himantabiswa’s doing. We are not intimidated and will soldier on.”
In a swift response to the accusations, Chief Minister Sarma ordered the Director General of Police to register a case and investigate the incident.
Notably, SP of Sonitpur is Sushanta Biswa Sarma – the brother of Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Adding to the turmoil, during the same yatra, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reportedly faced a perceived threat from a large crowd carrying BJP flags and raising slogans.
Security personnel swiftly moved him inside the yatra bus to avert any potential confrontation. The video of the alleged threat has been posted on various handles of the Congress party.
The Congress had previously accused the Sarma-led BJP government of creating obstacles for the yatra, with Ramesh expressing dissatisfaction over authorities asking “irrelevant questions”.
Ramesh urged the government to allow them to use the same route used by BJP President JP Nadda during his recent visit to Guwahati.
The political heat intensified on January 21 when Congress alleged that BJP workers vandalised banners and posters welcoming the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Lakhimpur town.
As the clash between the Congress and BJP continues, Assam remains a battleground for political confrontations over Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.
