Tensions escalate in Guwahati as around 5,000 Congress workers attempt to enter the city for Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. The Himanta Biswa Sarma-led Assam government denies permission for the Yatra to pass through key roads in Guwahati, citing potential traffic disruptions on a working day. Rahul Dravid confirms KL Rahul will not keep wickets against England during the upcoming five-Test series, favoring a more specialized keeper.
Rahul Gandhi addresses the situation, stating, “This is the same route Bajrang Dal walked, (BJP chief JP) Nadda ji’s rally was also taken on the same place. There was a barricade, we threw the barricade, but we will not break the law. Don’t think we are weak; it’s the power of Congress workers.” He accuses the Assam government of suppressing the people of Assam and emphasizes that Congress workers are not afraid of BJP-RSS.
The Congress workers claim that the state administration unjustly denies entry into the city, sparking an ongoing dispute between the Congress and the BJP government in Assam. Responding to the face-off, Himanta Biswa Sarma accuses Rahul Gandhi of provoking the crowd and causing a massive traffic jam. Assam Police report that Congress workers broke barricades, leading to injuries to both police officers and the public.
Yesterday, Rahul Gandhi was barred from visiting the shrine of a 15th-century social reformer, and today’s face-off near Guwahati follows dramatic scenes. The BJP government alleges that Rahul Gandhi’s visit to the shrine clashes with the Ram Mandir ‘pran pratistha’ ceremony in Ayodhya, urging him not to create competition between the two events.
Rahul Gandhi’s yatra also faces roadblocks in Meghalaya, with a university interaction canceled by local authorities. Rahul Gandhi addresses students near the Assam-Meghalaya border, alleging that the cancellation was on the instructions of the Union Home Minister. The Congress alleges that the shrine’s managing committee initially agreed to Rahul Gandhi’s visit but later changed its position.