Assam Congress demands arrests after violent Samaguri clash with BJP

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 16, 2024

Several people were injured, and five vehicles damaged during a clash between BJP workers and a Congress delegation at Samaguri in Assam’s Nagaon district on Tuesday. The violence occurred just hours after the by-poll schedule for five constituencies, including Samaguri, was announced.

The by-election in Samaguri is taking place after former MLA Rakibul Hussain was elected to the Lok Sabha. The clash reportedly started when BJP workers attacked a Congress delegation led by MLAs Sibamoni Borah and Nurul Huda, who were attending a rally in support of Ranjil Hussain, son of MP Rakibul Hussain, the Congress candidate for the upcoming bypoll. The incident occurred near Nangaldhuwa Bartol, close to the Rupahihat constituency border. Five vehicles belonging to Congress workers were damaged during the confrontation, according to reports.

The violence has escalated tensions ahead of the Samaguri bypoll, with both political parties now facing increased scrutiny. In an FIR filed at Rupahi Police Station, Congress MLA Sibamoni Borah claimed that BJP workers, aided by hired goons, attacked the Congress delegation as they traveled to Singimari. The FIR alleges that the attackers were armed and assaulted Congress supporters, causing significant damage to vehicles and bikes.

The Congress rally was organized by Bajia Block Congress and Laokhowa Block Congress to campaign for the Samaguri by-election. Police managed to bring the situation under control, and an investigation is ongoing.

Assam Congress chief Bhupen Kumar Borah, responding from New Delhi, condemned the incident, accusing the BJP of attempting to “murder democracy” in Samaguri. He demanded the transfer of the Superintendent of Police for allegedly protecting BJP attackers. Borah expressed outrage, pointing out that Congress MLA Sibamoni Borah, a woman, was also attacked. He added that the people would respond to BJP’s actions during the November 13 bypolls.

A Congress delegation plans to meet the Chief Secretary to demand the arrest of those involved in the attack and to call for closer monitoring of the law and order situation across Assam following the violence. Borah also revealed that Asom Sanmilito Manch (ASOM) has decided to contest all five bypoll constituencies. The decision on the CPI-ML candidate for Bihali will be made on October 17.

Borah further noted that Congress has formed five sub-committees to strategize for the bypolls, with three already submitting their reports. Discussions on these reports will take place with Gaurav Gogoi. Addressing concerns about internal disputes, Borah emphasized that Congress has no leadership issues and that the party will democratically select its chief ministerial candidate only after winning a majority in the elections.

MP Rakibul Hussain condemned the Samaguri violence, holding BJP workers responsible and accusing them of hiring anti-social elements to target Congress supporters. However, BJP candidate Diplu Ranjan Sarma denied these claims, accusing Congress of bringing in outsiders to incite unrest and attacking BJP workers while damaging several electoral booths set up in the area.