Congress Rally in Assam Allegedly Attacked by BJP-Backed Miscreants, Leaders Injured
An Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) rally was reportedly halted and subjected to an attack at Kusumtola in the Naduar constituency on Thursday. The Congress party has alleged that miscreants backed by BJP MLAs were responsible for the violent incident.
Incident Details and Allegations
APCC president Gaurav Gogoi, leader of opposition Debabrata Saikia, MP Rakibul Hussain, MLA Shibamoni Bora, AICC Secretary in charge of Assam Manoj Chauhan, along with other Congress leaders and workers, were en route to Sootea in Biswanath district for the party's 'Parivartan Yatra'. During their journey, miscreants blocked the rally and launched an assault.
According to an official APCC release, anti-social elements hurled stones at vehicles carrying Congress leaders and workers, resulting in injuries to several party members. Multiple vehicles sustained significant damage in the attack.
Police Intervention and Aftermath
As the situation escalated, a police contingent arrived at the scene to manage the unrest. Following this, Congress leaders lodged a First Information Report (FIR) against the alleged miscreants. In response to the incident, Gogoi, Saikia, and other senior leaders organized a sit-in protest on the road, highlighting their grievances.
Political Criticism and Legal Context
Later, addressing the media, Gaurav Gogoi strongly criticized Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. He questioned whether Sarma believes in the people's court, referencing a recent local court order that restrained Gogoi and two other senior Congress leaders—Bhupesh Baghel and Jitendra Singh—from making defamatory statements against Sarma.
"Is he (Sarma) not a political leader? Does he not have trust in the people's court? Does he only want to drub voices against him?" Gogoi asked, emphasizing his concerns over political freedom and accountability.
This incident underscores ongoing political tensions in Assam, with the Congress party accusing the ruling BJP of orchestrating violence to suppress opposition activities. The attack has sparked debates on electoral integrity and the safety of political rallies in the region.
