Sivasagar (Assam): In a worded criticism Assams Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma launched an attack, on Rahul Gandhi, a leader from the Congress party. Sarma accused Gandhi of orchestrating the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra incident for media attention and with the intention to destabilize Assam. According to Sarma Gandhis actions during the Yatra seemed focused on creating chaos than addressing the actual cause.
During a press conference Sarma questioned the motives of the Congress party. Highlighted that despite causing commotion to enter Batadrava Than Rahul Gandhi bypassed significant cultural and religious landmarks without stopping. Sarma specifically mentioned places like Bhupen Hazarika Samaadhi Khetra, Hajo Hayagriv Madhav Mandir, Powa Mecca Barpeta Satra and Kamakhya temple as examples of places that were disregarded by Gandhi.
Expressing his disappointment in Gandhis lack of respect for religious icons Sarma commented that "the entire incident seemed to be solely for media attention and to destabilize Assam."
Sarma further emphasized that if Gandhi genuinely respected Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva he should have visited Barpeta Satra and Patbaushi Satra – both established by Srimanta Sankaradeva. The Chief Minister questioned Gandhis commitment to Assam. Suggested that paying tribute to Bhupen Hazarika at his memorial would have been a display of care for the state.
Taking a stance Sarma hinted at legal consequences, for Gandhis actions by stating that "we will take necessary action after the Lok Sabha election."
He stated that they would delay the arrest until after the elections to prevent politicization. It was emphasized that an investigation would be conducted by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and there was evidence
Shifting the focus to the Lok Sabha elections Sarma expressed his wish for them to conclude before April 14th in order for people to celebrate the Bohag or Rongali Bihu festival without any disruptions. He expressed confidence, in the BJPs success under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Chief Minister disclosed that an FIR had been lodged against Rahul Gandhi, Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal and others under sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act. The FIR was a result of a clash, between Congress workers and Assam Police as they were about to enter Guwahati during Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.
—Input from Agencies