In a recent development, an FIR has been filed against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, along with others including KC Venugopal and Kanhaiya Kumar, for alleged damage to public property during the Nyay Yatra in Assam. The FIR was registered in response to wanton acts of violence, provocation, damage to public property, and assault on police personnel during the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the FIR on X, stating, “With reference to wanton acts of violence, provocation, damage to public property, and assault on police personnel today by Cong members, an FIR has been registered against Rahul Gandhi, KC Venugopal, Kanhaiya Kumar, and other individuals under section 120(B)143/147/188/283/353/332/333/427 IPC R/W Sec. 3 of PDPP Act.”
Earlier in the day, a clash erupted between police and Congress workers in Guwahati during the Nyay Yatra. Rahul Gandhi, leading the yatra, was stopped from entering Guwahati, leading to protests from party workers who broke barricades and raised slogans.
Addressing party supporters on the outskirts of the city, Rahul Gandhi stated, “We have broken barricades, but will not break the law.” He emphasized that Congress workers do not fear anyone and expressed determination to defeat the BJP in Assam.
The police had to use force to stop the Congress workers, setting up barricades at two places to prevent the yatra from entering the city limits. The clash underscored the tense situation during the political event.
The FIR against Rahul Gandhi and others signals a legal response to the alleged acts of violence and property damage during the yatra. The political tensions and confrontations between the Congress and the state authorities will likely continue to unfold as the legal proceedings progress.
The Nyay Yatra, which had entered Meghalaya on Monday, returned to Assam for its last leg and was scheduled to travel through the outskirts of Guwahati. The yatra, a political mobilization effort, has been met with resistance and clashes in various regions, reflecting the charged political atmosphere in the state.
As the legal process unfolds, it remains to be seen how the political landscape in Assam evolves, with both the Congress and the state government actively engaged in asserting their positions. The FIR against Rahul Gandhi adds a legal dimension to the ongoing political events, and the repercussions will likely shape the dynamics of political discourse in the region.