Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has issued instructions for the initiation of a criminal case against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, alleging his involvement in "provoking the crowd" during a clash between Congress workers and the police on the outskirts of Guwahati on Tuesday.
The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, led by Rahul Gandhi, encountered a hurdle as it was barred from entering Guwahati, leading to protests by Congress workers. Police had to use force to control the situation, with Congress workers breaking barricades and engaging in confrontations with law enforcement.
Subsequently, Rahul Gandhi addressed party supporters on the city's outskirts, referring to them as "babbar sher" (lions) and emphasizing their strength in toppling barricades while asserting a commitment to not violate the law.
In response to the incident, Himanta Biswa Sarma took to Twitter, accusing Rahul Gandhi and his party members of engaging in "unruly behavior" and employing "Naxalite tactics." He directed the Assam Police to register a case against Rahul Gandhi, citing footage posted on social media as evidence.
Sarma asserted that such behavior was not in line with Assamese culture and emphasized the peaceful nature of the state. He claimed that Rahul Gandhi's actions had led to a significant traffic jam in Guwahati.
Earlier, Sarma had stated that the Congress party's yatra would not be permitted to enter the city to prevent traffic disruptions.
Responding to Sarma's accusations, Rahul Gandhi characterized the Chief Minister's actions as "intimidation tactics" that would inadvertently benefit the Congress party's yatra. He claimed that the obstruction and publicity generated by the Chief Minister and Union Home Minister Amit Shah aided the yatra's message of Nyay.
In a press conference, Rahul Gandhi highlighted the impact of the yatra, stating that the obstacles created by the Assam government were bringing attention to their cause. He emphasized that the people were questioning why the yatra was being impeded.
Assam Director General of Police (DGP) GP Singh responded to Sarma's tweet, indicating that actions were being taken following the law. The DGP mentioned addressing unruliness and violations of previously agreed-upon decisions, including attempts to forcibly change the route.
The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, navigating through the Northeast, has encountered challenges in BJP-ruled Assam. Rahul Gandhi was also denied entry to the shrine at Sankardeva's birthplace in Nagaon district. The Congress party has accused the Assam government of imposing unnecessary obstacles on the yatra and has alleged targeted attacks against their convoys and leaders.
