Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) members led by senior leaders staged a protest demonstration at Congress Bhavan, Kohima on Monday against “repeated attacks” on the Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra (BJNY) convoy by BJP workers in Assam over the past three days.
NPCC through its communications department stated that Rahul Gandhi has been championing the causes of the women, youth and other marginalized sections of society through the yatra, and has successfully covered three states including Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh peacefully without any untoward incidents.
However, NPCC expressed regret that in Assam, the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led BJP government was “desperately putting everything at its disposal to stop the yatra”. NPCC stated that BJP workers tore down posters and banners, carried out multiple planned attacks on the convoy leading to many casualties among the yatris including injuries to Assam PCC president. NPCC strongly condemned what it described as “state sanctioned acts of violence” against the BJNY convoy in Assam. NPCC reaffirmed its full support and commitment towards the success of the Yatra.
‘Attacks’ on Cong rally: Assam Oppn forum asks Himanta to resign
GUWAHATI, JAN 22 (PTI): The ‘United Opposition Forum’ in Assam on Monday demanded the resignation of chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for “failure” in maintaining law and order in the state, “leading” to the alleged attacks on Congress leaders during the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. The forum is an alliance of 15 opposition parties in the state.
“As the home minister of Assam, Sarma must resign as it is indeed shameful that the attacks took place on the leader of the largest opposition party of the country, who was a guest in our state,” Assam Jatiya Parishad and Raijor Dal leaders Lurinjyoti Gogoi and Akhil Gogoi, respectively, told a press conference here.
The yatra was proceeding peacefully on Sunday, but the “hired goons” of the BJP attacked Rahul Gandhi’s convoy, “pelted stones” at AICC general secretary Jairam Ramesh’s vehicle and “injured” state Congress president Bhupen Borah, they said. “… Even if we assume that he (Sarma) did not instigate these attacks, it clearly reflects his failure to maintain the law and order situation,” the opposition leaders said.
The attacks on the yatra also show the CM’s “inability” to provide security to opposition leaders and people, and it brings shame to a state, which is famed for hospitality and culture, they said. Sarma “must accept his failure and tender his resignation immediately”, the leaders of the forum asserted.w