The ongoing Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra led by Rahul Gandhi is encountering hurdles as it re-enters Assam, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma imposing conditions on its route through Guwahati. Allegations from the Congress claim the Sarma government is deliberately obstructing the yatra’s progress. The dispute intensified after denial of permission to traverse key city roads, forcing the yatra onto National Highway 27, sparking a heated exchange between the Assam administration and Congress leaders.
The standoff follows dramatic scenes near the shrine of Vaishnav saint Srimanta Sankardeva, where Sarma urged Gandhi to delay his visit. Sarma cited potential clashes with media coverage of the Ram Temple ‘pran pratistha’ ceremony in Ayodhya. The shrine’s managing committee also restricted Gandhi’s entry until 3 pm, leading to a dharna by the Congress leader and associates. Despite such challenges, Gandhi expressed his admiration for Sankardeva’s philosophy, emphasizing unity over hatred.
The Congress accuses the Sarma government of orchestrating attacks on their convoys, properties, and leaders since entering Assam. A group chanting ‘Jai Shri Ram’ and ‘Modi, Modi’ slogans during the yatra further fueled tensions. In Meghalaya, where the BJP is part of the ruling alliance, a planned interaction with students was canceled. Instead, Gandhi will meet students near the Assam-Meghalaya border, addressing regional Congress leaders. The yatra’s trajectory remains uncertain amid the political clash in the northeastern states.
