On Sunday, the Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, suggested that Rahul Gandhi, a Congress party leader, should refrain from visiting Srimanta Sankardeva’s birthplace in Batadrava on January 22nd. He emphasized that one should not draw comparisons between Lord Ram and the esteemed Vaishnav saint of the medieval era, who is highly respected in Assam.
Additionally, Sarma mentioned that on January 22nd, which coincides with the dedication of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, commandos will be stationed along critical paths in minority-dominated regions that Rahul Gandhi will traverse during his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.
“The Chief Minister stated during a press conference that they would urge Rahul Gandhi to refrain from attending the Batadrava Ram Temple’s consecration event on Monday to prevent casting Assam in a negative light. He suggested that Mr. Gandhi could visit the ‘satra’ (a Vaishnavite monastery) in Batadrava after the ceremony to avoid sparking any needless rivalry, which would be regrettable for Assam.”
Sarma expressed his distress upon reading a national media article that stated while Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends the dedication ceremony in Ayodhya, Gandhi will be at the Batadrava monastery. This location in the Nagaon district is renowned as the birthplace of Srimanta Sankardeva (1449-1568), a revered Assamese saint, intellectual, socio-religious reformer, poet, and dramatist who played a pivotal role in the cultural and religious heritage of Assam during the 15th and 16th centuries.
“This projection is incorrect. There’s no rivalry between Ram and Sankardeva, and at a time when the country’s attention is on Ayodhya, we shouldn’t be sidetracked to Assam. We would appreciate it if he refrains from visiting the satra at the time of the Ram Temple’s Pran Pratistha ceremony,” he stated.
Additionally, the Sattra officials did not extend an invitation to him. Given that the Congress includes Hindu members, his visit could be rearranged for an early morning or evening time slot, as suggested by Sarma. For Monday’s itinerary, the Congress has selected a path that passes through areas of concern in Morigaon, Jagiroad, and Nellie, which Sarma believes could have been circumvented.
The chief minister expressed concerns about potential law and order disruptions in these delicate zones. Therefore, he mentioned that commando units would be stationed along the vulnerable segments of the minority-inhabited regions that Rahul Gandhi’s march will traverse on January 22.
Sarma stated that the truth of the conditions in these regions is indisputable, and it is imperative for the authorities to keep a close watch on developments. He acknowledged that there is a real sense of fear and acknowledged the significant danger involved in permitting the Yatra to proceed the following day.
He expressed concern that, should any disturbances arise, while Gandhi would be safe due to the protection of security forces, his own responsibility would be questioned. He anticipated that the Indian government might question his decision to allow the Yatra to take place along such a delicate path on a Monday.
Nellie observed a massacre at the peak of the Assam protest in 1983, which resulted in the death of close to 2000 individuals, primarily Muslims thought to be from Bangladesh. To enhance security and keep a close watch, district officials and police chiefs in the affected regions have received orders to step up patrols, as stated by Sarma. He also mentioned, “Perhaps no one will take to the streets since the citizens of Assam have grown wiser. However, as someone responsible for upholding the law, we must consider every potential scenario.”
Sarma noted that Congress struggles to secure votes in Assam and mentioned that their vote count could further decline if they cause difficulties for the populace. He also commented on Gandhi’s accusations against him and his family, suggesting that initially he believed Gandhi feared him, but now it appears Gandhi is also intimidated by his children, despite them not being involved in politics.
Sarma observed that the Yatra has generally attracted small gatherings, with the exception of some areas in Lower Assam with a significant population of Muslims of Bangladeshi descent, where these individuals have participated in the march.
Sarma stated that Muslim women and girls have expressed their appreciation for the various initiatives his administration has implemented for their benefit. These initiatives encompass the eradication of the practice of instant divorce known as triple talaq, efforts to eliminate polygamy and child marriage, and the establishment of educational institutions for girls in areas with significant minority populations.
