Guwahati, March 19: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has alleged that the Congress is planning to stage a violent incident involving its own leaders to garner public sympathy ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections. The accusation comes amid heightened political tensions in the poll-bound state.
Key Allegations and Police Action
On Tuesday, CM Sarma revealed that Guwahati Police had arrested one person and served notice to another following a complaint from within the Congress party. According to the Chief Minister, the complaint exposed a plan to orchestrate a staged conflict.
“Guwahati Police received a case yesterday from someone in Congress itself that a plan is on to stage a fight… They are planning a drama to gain sympathy,” Sarma stated during a media interaction in Bongaigaon. He promised that more details would be made public within four to five days.
Security Enhanced for State Congress Chief
In response to the alleged plot, the state government has increased the security cover for Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Gaurav Gogoi. This move came a day after Gogoi himself raised concerns about inadequate security and claimed that well-wishers had warned him of a possible attack.
CM Points to Political Consultancy Firm
The Chief Minister specifically named ‘Inclusive Minds’, a political consultancy firm engaged by the Congress, alleging that its officials mastermind such strategies. “Two officials of ‘Inclusive Minds’ plan everything and Congress executes it,” Sarma claimed.
He further stated that one of the individuals involved in the planning filed the police complaint, asserting that “being an Assamese, he cannot support it and hence came forward.”
Congress’s Earlier Concerns
The controversy follows Gogoi’s statement on Monday, where he expressed apprehension about his safety, citing a reduction in his security detail compared to previous state Congress presidents. The timing of these allegations, just months before the assembly elections, has intensified the political rivalry between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress in Assam.
Investigation Underway
Police have initiated a formal investigation into the matter. While details remain limited, the Chief Minister assured that further revelations would follow soon. The political atmosphere in Assam is expected to remain charged as both parties prepare for the electoral battle.
