In Guwahati on Tuesday, the political atmosphere became charged as Congress party members engaged in a skirmish with the police, resulting in the toppling of barricades. The catalyst for this confrontation was the refusal of permission for the Congress's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, led by Rahul Gandhi, to traverse through the central areas of Guwahati.
The clash ensued following the directive from the Assam government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, instructing the yatra to avoid entering the city through its main routes, instead utilizing the Guwahati bypass. The police, adhering to this directive, prevented the yatra from entering the city, prompting protests from Congress supporters.
Detailed visuals from the incident depicted numerous Congress enthusiasts, many adorned with party flags, engaging in altercations with law enforcement officers and attempting to breach barricades, all while Rahul Gandhi observed from a distance.
Speaking to a gathering in the aftermath of the episode, Rahul Gandhi remarked, "Bajrang Dal and JP Nadda ji's rallies were taken through this route. But they are stopping us. We Congress workers are strong, we have broken barricades but will not break the law."
The Congress party had originally intended for the yatra to traverse central Guwahati, but authorities justified rerouting due to potential traffic disruptions and concerns related to law and order. This decision resulted in a significant police presence at the Khanapara crossing, the entry point to the city, where clashes erupted between Congress supporters and law enforcement.
Leaders from the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) asserted that they were compelled to alter their route due to being prohibited from entering Guwahati town.
Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to hold a press conference in Hajo at 1:20 pm to provide the media with insights into the incident and an update on the yatra's progress.
The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, progressing through the Northeast, encountered various hurdles in BJP-ruled Assam. Additionally, Rahul Gandhi was denied entry to the shrine at Sankardeva's birthplace in Nagaon district.
Furthermore, an interactive session with students at the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya, was canceled after local authorities withdrew permission.
Accusing the Assam government of imposing unwarranted obstacles on the yatra, the Congress has alleged targeted attacks against their convoys and leaders.
