On the 10th day of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Assam becomes a battleground as the yatra faces substantial roadblocks, primarily orchestrated by the Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma. The clash between the political forces unfolds as Sarma denies permission for the yatra to traverse through the strategic city of Guwahati.
Heavy Security Deployment:
As the yatra approaches the entry point of Guwahati at Khanapara Area, a palpable tension fills the air, manifested in the heavy security measures. Barricades strategically placed and a substantial deployment of police officials mark the area where Rahul Gandhi’s yatra is scheduled to reach. The heightened security measures underscore the significance and sensitivity surrounding the Yatra’s progress.
Rider Set by Himanta in Guwahati:
The Assam Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, puts forth conditions and restrictions on the yatra’s route within Guwahati. Citing the day’s working schedule and the potential for traffic disruptions, the Assam government directs the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra to take the National Highway 27, a route that acts as a ring road around the city. This directive prompts accusations from Rahul Gandhi, who alleges deliberate roadblocks in the yatra’s path, escalating the political tensions further.
War of Words and Ravan Jibe:
The feud between Rahul Gandhi and Himanta Biswa Sarma reaches new heights, with the Chief Minister making a controversial Ravan jibe in response to Gandhi’s accusations. The political tension intensifies as both leaders engage in a heated verbal sparring match, each trying to assert their stance on the unfolding situation.
Visit to Srimanta Sankardeva’s Birthplace:
Adding fuel to the fire, Rahul Gandhi’s planned visit to the birthplace of Vaishnav saint Srimanta Sankardeva near Guwahati becomes another flashpoint. Himanta Biswa Sarma urges Gandhi not to visit the shrine before the Ram Mandir ‘pran pratistha’ ceremony in Ayodhya, emphasizing the need to focus on Ram rather than Ravan. This directive creates a controversy, setting the stage for a showdown between the political leaders.
Shrine Visit Controversy:
Undeterred by the controversy, Rahul Gandhi attempts to visit the shrine, facing resistance from the shrine’s managing committee, which restricts entry before 3 pm. Undeterred, Gandhi and his associates stage a dharna at the roadblock site, while party representatives proceed to offer prayers. The clash at the shrine adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing political turmoil.
Political Dig Ahead of Ayodhya Ceremony:
In a strategic move, Rahul Gandhi takes a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, injecting a political dimension into the ongoing clash. His statement, “Aaj sirf ek vyakti mandir mein ja sakta hain…” (Perhaps today only one person can go to the temple), implies a commentary on the current political scenario, particularly regarding the upcoming ‘Pran Pratishta’ ceremony at Ayodhya’s Ram Temple.
As the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra endeavors to resume its journey amidst the turbulent political landscape, the confrontation between Rahul Gandhi and Himanta Biswa Sarma unfolds as a gripping narrative in Assam, capturing the attention of the nation.
