Clash Erupts Between Police and Congress Workers as Rahul Gandhi’s Yatra Faces Obstacles in Guwahati

Guwahati, Assam, January 23, 2024 Guwahati witnessed heightened tension on Tuesday as approximately 5,000 Congress workers sought entry into the city to continue the ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ led by Rahul Gandhi.

The Assam administration, under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, denied permission for the yatra to traverse key city roads, citing potential traffic disruptions on a working day. Instead, the state authorities directed the rally to take the National Highway 27, functioning as a ring road around the city.

Gandhi accused the Assam government of suppressing the people of Assam and highlighted the cancellation of his student interaction in Meghalaya, alleging that authorities were instructed not to allow students to meet him. Despite the challenges, he affirmed that Congress workers are committed to the cause Addressing party supporters on the city outskirts after being barred from entering, Rahul Gandhi asserted that We might have broken barricades, but will definitely not break the laws.

He further added that Congress workers do not fear anyone and will defeat the BJP in Assam and form the Congress government soon. Despite facing obstacles, Gandhi emphasized that the Congress workers’ strength was not to be underestimated, referring to them as “babbar sher” (lions). He acknowledged the police officers for their actions, stating, “We know that police officers have done a good job and followed orders. We are not against you. We are against the most corrupt chief minister. Our fight is with him.”

The clash occurred as the police set up barricades to prevent the yatra from entering the city limits, resorting to the use of force to control the situation. Earlier, Rahul Gandhi received a warm welcome as he attempted to enter Guwahati, addressing students at a university along the way. The Congress party alleged, “Since our arrival in Assam, the Chief Minister, considered by some as the most corrupt in India, has relentlessly targeted our convoys, properties, and leaders through his associates.”

This description emphasizes the rising political tensions in the area. The ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra,’ which re-entered Assam for its final leg, is scheduled to travel through the outskirts of Guwahati and continue in the state until Thursday. Rahul Gandhi’s visit and the clash with authorities reflect the heightened political atmosphere as parties prepare for upcoming elections in the region. Tension in Guwahati as Congress Workers Face Obstacles in Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.

By Yashasvi Raghav