The management of Batadrava Than in Assam, renowned as the birthplace of Vaishnavite saint Srimanta Sankardeva, has extended an invitation to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to visit their shrine. However, they have requested that he plan his visit "after 3 pm," following the conclusion of the 'Pran Pratishtha' (consecration) ceremony at Ayodhya's Ram Temple. Rahul Gandhi is presently leading the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from Manipur to Mumbai, with the journey encompassing Assam from January 18 to 25.
Jogendra Narayan Dev Mahanta, the president of the Batadrava Than Management Committee, conveyed to reporters that approximately 10,000 people are expected to assemble at the shrine during the scheduled time of Rahul Gandhi's visit. Acknowledging the potential logistical challenges in welcoming the Congress leader amidst the large gathering, Mahanta stated, "We are happy that Rahul Gandhi will visit the Than. But for tomorrow, around 10,000 people will gather here. At that time, we do not want Rahul Gandhi to come here, because there may be some difficulties in the process of welcoming him," as reported by news agency ANI.
Mahanta further revealed that the Karnadhar Committee of the Batadrava Than Management Committee has recommended that Rahul Gandhi plan his visit after 3 pm the following day. This, according to Mahanta, would facilitate a grand welcome, with prior notifications sent to the local MLA, District Commissioner, and the SP.
Batadrava, situated in Nagaon district, holds historical significance as the birthplace of Srimanta Sankardeva, an influential Assamese saint, scholar, poet, playwright, and social-religious reformer from the 15th-16th century.
The request for Rahul Gandhi to consider an afternoon visit aligns with the suggestion made by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma earlier in the day. Sarma emphasized that visiting the Batadrava Than during the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple could create unnecessary competition between Lord Ram and the revered medieval Vaishnav saint, potentially casting Assam in an unfavorable light. He mentioned the deployment of commandos along sensitive routes during Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra on the day of the Ram Temple consecration.
In response, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh affirmed that Rahul Gandhi would adhere to the original schedule and visit Batadrava on Monday morning. Ramesh urged against politicizing the visit, highlighting the historical significance of the site associated with Srimanta Sankardeva's legacy. The yatra is set to continue through Morigaon district before venturing into Meghalaya and returning to Assam.
