An FIR has been lodged against Rahul Gandhi, a Congress leader, along with several others, including KC Venugopal and Kanhaiya Kumar, for causing damage to public property during the Nyay Yatra in Assam, as reported by the state Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma. Addressing the situation, Chief Minister Sarma declared, “With reference to wanton acts of violence, provocation, damage to public property, and assault on police personnel today by Cong members, a 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.”
With reference to wanton acts of violence, provocation , damage to public property and assault on police personnel today by Cong members , a FIR has been registered against Rahul Gandhi, KC Venugopal , Kanhaiya Kumar and other individuals under section…
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) January 23, 2024
Earlier in the day, a confrontation unfolded between the police and Congress workers in Guwahati, Assam, during the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. Rahul Gandhi, the Congress MP, encountered hindrances while attempting to enter Guwahati during the yatra, prompting protests from party members who broke barricades and voiced slogans. Speaking to his supporters on the outskirts of the city, Rahul Gandhi affirmed, “We have broken barricades, but will not break the law.”
Continuing to underscore the party’s resilience, he stated, “You should not think we are weak. We have broken the barricades. They have canceled my program at the university. My program was canceled, but the students heard me outside. We will defeat the BJP in Assam and form the Congress government soon.” Gandhi expressed solidarity with the police officers, recognizing their efforts and highlighting the party’s opposition to the Chief Minister.
To thwart the Congress workers, the police resorted to force, erecting barricades at two locations to prevent the Yatra from entering the city limits. Earlier, Gandhi received an enthusiastic welcome as he endeavored to enter Guwahati and addressed university students en route. Despite facing challenges, the Yatra, which returned to Assam for its final leg, is anticipated to traverse the outskirts of Guwahati until Thursday.