A day after a clash between Rahul Gandhi-led Congress workers and Assam police in Guwahati, Mallikarjun Kharge, the party president, wrote a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging him to intervene and ensure the security of Mr. Gandhi and others involved in the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.
The clash prompted Assam Police to file an FIR against Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders, charging them with criminal conspiracy, unlawful assembly, breach of peace, among other offenses. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma accused Congress workers of using “naxalite tactics” not aligned with Assamese culture.
In the letter to the Home Minister, Kharge highlighted instances where Assam Police allegedly failed to provide adequate security to Rahul Gandhi, a Z+ protectee. He cited incidents like the defacement of Congress posters, BJP workers obstructing the Congress yatra on January 21, and an attack on state party chief Bhupen Borah.
Kharge expressed concern that despite evidence in the public domain, no arrests were made in connection with these incidents. He urged Shah’s intervention to prevent untoward incidents during the yatra, ensuring the safety of Rahul Gandhi and other participants.
Congress leaders have accused Chief Minister Sarma of obstructing the yatra, and the clash in Guwahati occurred when police attempted to stop Congress workers from moving on city roads. The administration had previously denied permission for the yatra to use arterial roads, citing congestion concerns. Congress workers contested this decision, leading to the confrontation with the police.