Tensions Escalate as Assam Chief Minister Declares Rahul Gandhi’s Arrest Post Lok Sabha Elections
Guwahati, Assam: Amidst the ongoing political showdown in Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma declared on Wednesday that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi would face arrest following the conclusion of this year’s Lok Sabha elections. The statement comes in the wake of an FIR registered against Gandhi and several Congress leaders by Assam Police for their alleged involvement in violent incidents during the ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ led by Rahul Gandhi.
The Assam police took suo moto cognizance of the alleged violence and registered the FIR, citing charges such as criminal conspiracy, unlawful assembly, rioting, assault, or criminal force to deter public servants from discharging their duty, and damaging public property. Director General of Police G P Singh mentioned that the case has been transferred to the Assam CID for further investigation.
Himanta Biswa Sarma, who ordered the FIR against Gandhi, accused him of instigating the crowd to break barricades and forcefully enter Guwahati on Tuesday. The scuffle resulted in minor injuries to several Congress leaders, workers, and four police personnel.
The Assam government claimed that Congress workers deviated from the designated route to Kamrup (Rural) district and attempted to take the Guwahati thoroughfare. Earlier, Sarma had advised Gandhi against visiting the birthplace of Assamese icon Srimanta Sankardeva in Nagaon district due to ongoing Ram Temple festivities.
Rahul Gandhi responded to the accusations, daring the Assam government to file as many cases as it can. He stated, “I don’t know how Himanta Biswa Sarma got the idea that he can intimidate me by filing cases… File 25 more cases. BJP-RSS can’t intimidate me.” Gandhi, who was stopped from visiting the shrine in Nagaon, retorted that the government was attempting to stifle the ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.’
In a recent post on social media, Sarma mocked Gandhi for leaving the city in his bus after allegedly orchestrating violence. He claimed, “Interesting. After instigating Congress workers to orchestrate violence, Rahul Gandhi (who is on a Bus Yatra) quietly came out of his fancy bus and fled the city in a small car to Hajo, his next destination. Rahul has set a new standard for being a Darpok (coward). Ha ha.”
The political feud between Rahul Gandhi and Himanta Biswa Sarma has been escalating, with both leaders exchanging barbs and accusations of cowardice and corruption. As the Lok Sabha elections loom, the political landscape in Assam remains tense, awaiting the culmination of the investigation and potential legal actions.