Himanta Sarma, Congress Clash Over Attack on Party's Election Campaign Convoy

A political confrontation has erupted between Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the Congress leadership following an alleged stone-pelting incident involving a Congress campaign convoy in Nagaon district. The incident occurred on Monday in the Barma area of Samaguri, where a convoy carrying senior Congress leaders was travelling to an election meeting ahead of the Nagaon Lok Sabha by-election scheduled for October 6. The convoy included Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi, former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, party candidate Sibamoni Bora and other leaders.

The situation reportedly became tense after a crowd gathered along the route and waved black flags. Police subsequently used a lathi charge to disperse the gathering, while stones were also reportedly thrown at security personnel deployed in the area. Some vehicles in the Congress convoy were damaged, and the party said one of its office-bearers was injured.

Congress leaders alleged that BJP supporters were responsible for the attack. Gaurav Gogoi accused BJP workers of targeting the vehicles carrying him and Baghel, while the Congress questioned the response of the Assam Police and the Election Commission. Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal also criticised the Assam government, alleging that the incident reflected the use of political violence against opposition leaders. He specifically referred to Baghel, Gogoi and the party's Nagaon candidate while demanding action over the alleged attack.

Sarma rejected the Congress's allegations and offered a different explanation for the confrontation. In a post on X, the Assam Chief Minister claimed that the episode was linked to divisions within the Congress rather than an attack orchestrated by the BJP. Sarma pointed to the Samaguri Assembly constituency, which he said is represented by Congress MLA Tanzil Hussain, and argued that the Congress leadership should address its internal differences instead of blaming political opponents.

He also said political disputes between rival groups within a party should not result in disturbances on the streets or affect public peace. The incident has added to the political tension surrounding the Nagaon by-election, with both the Congress and BJP intensifying their campaign activities. The Congress has called for action against those allegedly involved, while the allegations against BJP supporters remain contested.

The Nagaon Lok Sabha seat fell vacant following the resignation of former Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi, who later joined the BJP. Polling for the by-election is scheduled for October 6, with counting set for October 9. The police and election authorities' further findings will be important in establishing the circumstances surrounding the confrontation and determining responsibility for the alleged violence.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.