Guwahati: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and his supporters were stopped by the Assam Police from entering Guwahati on Tuesday, as part of his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. The yatra, which aims to highlight the issues of unemployment, inflation, and farmers’ distress, faced resistance from the state government, which cited traffic congestion as a reason to deny permission.
The police barricaded the entry points to the city and tried to prevent the Congress workers from crossing the border. This led to a heated confrontation between the two sides, with the Congress workers breaking the barricades and shouting slogans against the BJP-led government. The police resorted to lathi-charge and tear gas to disperse the crowd, injuring several protesters.
The police also registered an FIR against Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders for violating the COVID-19 protocols and creating a law and order situation. The Congress condemned the police action and accused the state government of suppressing the voice of the opposition.
Despite the obstacles, Rahul Gandhi managed to reach Guwahati Chowk in Khanapara, where he was greeted by a large number of supporters who played drums and waved flags. He addressed the gathering and slammed the BJP for its policies and performance. He also praised the Congress workers for their courage and determination. Congress state unit in-charge Jitendra Singh said, “We have achieved victory by breaking the barriers.”
The yatra, which started from Silchar on January 19, entered Meghalaya on Monday and returned to Assam on Tuesday for its final leg. It will cover the districts of Kamrup, Nalbari, Barpeta, and Bongaigaon, before concluding on Thursday. Rahul Gandhi is expected to interact with various sections of society and highlight the Congress’ vision for the state.
