Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has accused Congress leaders of orchestrating a conspiracy to stir unrest in Guwahati. Speaking to reporters on Friday, CM Sarma alleged that key Congress figures, such as Bhupen Borah and Ripun Borah, were attempting to incite violence, potentially forcing police action. He expressed his belief that political parties should pursue their agendas through electoral means rather than street protests. Sarma, who was a part of Congress for over two decades, claimed he had never witnessed such activities during his tenure with the party.
The controversy arises following the death of Mridul Islam, a Congress party worker in Assam’s Kamrup district. Thousands gathered on Thursday to pay their respects at Islam’s funeral. Local sentiments conveyed the deep loss felt by the community, describing Islam as a compassionate and helpful individual.
Islam had passed away on Wednesday after participating in a Congress demonstration en route to Raj Bhawan, Guwahati. The Congress state unit lodged a formal complaint against the police, alleging excessive use of teargas that reportedly contributed to Islam’s death. Assam Congress General Secretary Bipul Gogoi accused the police of indiscriminate teargas usage, impacting even vulnerable individuals such as the elderly and those with respiratory issues.
However, Guwahati’s Commissioner of Police, Diganta Barah, countered Congress’s claims, asserting that the precise cause of Islam’s death remains undetermined.
The incident underscores growing tensions between the ruling government and opposition, reflecting broader issues of political protest management and law enforcement conduct.
