Violence Erupts During Nagaon Bypoll Campaign: Congress Convoy Attacked
Tensions Rise in Nagaon Amidst Bypoll Campaign
Security forces deployed to control the situation after a Congress convoy was allegedly attacked in Samaguri. (AT Photo)
Guwahati, Sept 21: On Monday, campaigning for the Nagaon bypoll faced significant disruption when a Congress convoy was reportedly targeted with stones while en route to a public meeting in Barma, Samaguri.
This incident escalated tensions in the vicinity, leading to a crowd gathering and displaying black flags.
In response, police conducted a lathi charge to disperse the crowd, while stones were also thrown at the CRPF personnel present at the scene. Eventually, security forces managed to restore order.
The Congress convoy included prominent figures such as Lok Sabha MPs Rakibul Hussain and APCC chief Gaurav Gogoi, along with Congress Legislature Party leader Wazed Ali Choudhury, Mahila Congress president Mira Borthakur, candidate Sibamoni Bora, and several MLAs.
Journalists covering the event also faced attacks, and the specifics regarding injuries and damage remain unclear.
Congress leaders have accused the BJP of orchestrating the violence.
According to the party’s media department chairman, Bedabrata Borah, AICC secretary Manoj Chauhan suffered serious injuries to his chest and abdomen, while Borthakur sustained head injuries.
Bhupesh Baghel, the Assam Congress in-charge and former Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, claimed that the attack was carried out by 'goons of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma,' alleging that the BJP resorted to violence out of fear of losing the election.
Baghel stated, 'Himanta Biswa Sarma’s goons threw four stones at our vehicle, shattering the glass of the vehicle carrying AICC Secretary Manoj Chauhan. Their aim is to instill fear and disrupt our campaign.'
MP Gogoi also condemned the BJP's actions, urging voters to respond to the party's alleged violent tactics at the polls.
'The strength of the BJP's stones is nothing compared to the power of the votes held by the people of Nagaon,' he asserted.
Candidate Sibamoni Bora recounted that large stones were hurled at the convoy, breaking the glass next to her seat. 'I want to emphasize that I cannot be intimidated,' she declared.
Bora expressed her belief that with the people's support, no one could hinder her progress.
'When the time comes, I can embody Durga or Kali. I will confront those who harm society,' she stated.
This incident recalls the violence during the Samaguri Assembly bypoll in November 2024, where clashes between BJP and Congress supporters were reported, including gunfire.
At that time, the BJP claimed its convoy was attacked by Congress supporters, with BJP’s Diplu Ranjan Sarma eventually winning the seat by a margin of approximately 24,500 votes against Congress’s Tanzil Hussain.
In the aftermath, Mira Borthakur lodged a police complaint at Nagaon Sadar Police Station, requesting FIRs against the alleged attackers under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Further updates regarding the incident, including any registered cases and details on injuries and property damage, are awaited.