Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra Highlights, Day 10: FIR against Rahul Gandhi, others for ‘damage to public property, assault on police’ during yatra in Assam

During the public rally in Mokokchung, Gandhi said the idea of the yatra is to bring the attention of the entire country to the people of Manipur, Nagaland and other northeastern states.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s commute from Nagaland’s Kohima to Mokokchung on Wednesday for a public rally during the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra attracted his attention to the condition of roads in the state.

He said, “How can young Nagas compete with the rest of the young people in the country who have better facilities? It is a betrayal to the people of Nagaland. How can we expect to bring a positive future to the people of Nagaland with these roads?”

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Hours after Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma asked the DGP to register a case against Rahul Gandhi for "provoking the crowd" to break barricades, the Congress leader on Tuesday claimed that "fear in their hearts" has led to such a direction.

He also criticised the chief minister for a social media post in which the chief minister had made a "derogatory" statement about Dalits and backward castes.

"The CM of Assam is scared, because the people of Assam have stood like a storm against the BJP government of the state. The crowd on the streets is telling that the end of the BJP government is near," a post by Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' offical page on X said.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shas hared a video of Rahul Gandhi making a speech as evidence for instigating crowd to commit violence.

In a post on 'X' Sarma shared a video in which Rahul Gandhi can be heard saying "There was a barricade; we tossed it aside" and wrote, "Evidence is emerging as to how Rahul Gandhi and Jitendra Singh instigated the mob to kill Assam Police personnel. Our soldiers are servants of the public, not of any royal family. Rest assured, the law will definitely reach you." 

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???????? ????, ?????? ?? ??? ???? ???? ???? ???, ?? ?? ???? ?????????? pic.twitter.com/MqW1vyo73V

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) January 23, 2024

From the march route, to Rahul’s thwarted plans to visit a revered shrine around the same time as the Ram Temple consecration, and the face-off with the police in Guwahati on Tuesday, the Yatra has faced hiccups since it entered Assam for its eight-days in the state.

A sideshow has been the war of words between Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Rahul – a script that sounds familiar to many in the Congress.

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"Your Chief Minister (referring to Himanta Biswa Sarma) says on Twitter (X) that people from backward classes are born to do the works of those belonging to the general caste. No one can insult backward castes more than this," Rahul Gandhi said while addressing a public rally in Barpeta, Assam.

VIDEO | Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra: "Your Chief Minister (referring to Himanta Biswa Sarma) says on Twitter (X) that people from backward classes are born to do the works of those belonging to the general caste. No one can insult backward castes more than this," says Congress leader… pic.twitter.com/RfBcX8JpaJ

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 23, 2024

In a sign of rifts within the Opposition INDIA alliance, the West Bengal CPI(M) has made it clear to the Congress that while supporting Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra the party would give the Yatra a miss in the state if the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) participates in it.

The CPI(M) has sought “assurance” from the Congress that the TMC would not be part of the Yatra when the former joins it.

"There is a clear problem in the state. The Assam CM is one of the most corrupt CMs in the country. Wherever I move around the state, everyone complains about unemployment, inflation, corruption, and farmers' struggles. That is the situation, and we are raising these issues," Rahul Gandhi said during a press briefing in Assam today.

Congress' Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in an official post on X: "The people of the country are seeing to what extent the BJP government has come to suppress the voice raised against injustice. You will undoubtedly block our path, but you will not be able to suppress our voice. This voice will remain loud, until we get the right to justice!"

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????? ?????? ???? ??? ????, ????? ????? ?? ??? ???? ?????? ?? ????? ????? ?????, ????? ?? ??? ????? ??! #BharatJodoNyayYatra pic.twitter.com/TtHtNtb4jC

— Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra (@bharatjodo) January 23, 2024

On Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra', party MP Gaurav Gogoi says, " Since last few days, Assam CM is making an atmosphere so that Rahul Gandhi gets hurt during the yatra...first Congress workers were attacked, then there was an attack on Jairam Ramesh's vehicle and after that, Assam Congress President Bhupen Kumar Borah was attacked and he got injured. A conspiracy is being made by Assam CM to create an unpeaceful atmosphere..."

#WATCH | Kamrup, Assam: On Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra', party MP Gaurav Gogoi says, " Since last few days, Assam CM is making an atmosphere so that Rahul Gandhi gets hurt during the yatra...first Congress workers were attacked, then there was an attack on… pic.twitter.com/nOLCOLI8UX

— ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2024

A day after the Ram temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya in which PM Modi inaugurated the temple, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has said it was a "political programme" of the BJP and dismissed suggestions that it had generated any wave among the people.

He also lashed out at Assam Chief Minister Himant Biswa Sarma for creating hurdles for his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, saying such actions will benefit the yatra and get it publicity.

Reiterating that CM Sarma is “the most corrupt CM” in the country, he said the Yatra has become the “main issue” in Assam right now.

"Stopping me from visiting temple, university, preventing 'padyatra' part of intimidation tactics; we don't get intimidated," Rahul Gandhi said talking to mediapersons.

When asked about consecration ceremony in Ayodhya: "It's BJP's political programme; we have clarity about our pillars of justice"

"We have invited INDIA parties to join yatra, we will feel good if our partners join us"

"Five pillars of justice will give strength to country -- participation, justice for youth, labourers, women, farmers."

"Stopping me from visiting temple, university, preventing 'padyatra' part of intimidation tactics; we don't get intimidated," Rahul Gandhi said while talking to mediapersons in Assam.

When asked about consecration ceremony in Ayodhya: "It's BJP's political programme; we have clarity about our pillars of justice."

"We have invited INDIA parties to join yatra, we will feel good if our partners join us."

"Five pillars of justice will give strength to country -- participation, justice for youth, labourers, women, farmers."

Addressing a press conference in Assam, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, said that the INDIA alliance is standing in opposition to Narendra Modi and the Rashtriya Sawayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

"INDIA alliance is standing in opposition to PM Modi and the RSS. And INDIA alliance has the vote of 60 per cent of Indians," Gandhi said while responding to question of who is standing in opposition to Modi.

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, commenting on Assam Chief Minister not allowing the Bharat Jodo Nyay yatra from entering Guwahati, said, "What Assam CM is doing against the yatra, it is benefitting the yatra. The kind of publicity we are getting is proving their [Assam CM and Union Home Minister] intervention to be beneficial... People are seeing the injustice being done."

"Even the BJP protestors are waving at me... The CM of the state is one of the most corrupt chief ministers in the country... There's ... massive unemployment, corruption, price rise, farmers are struggling, no youngster is getting a job."

"The more he does, the better it is for us," Gandhi added. 

Directorate General of Police (DGP) G P Singh Tuesday replied to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma after the latter directed the police to file a case against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for 'provoking crowd' during the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.

"Sir, Action is being taken per law. Unruliness and violation of ASL decision, including attempt to change route through force is also being taken up with appropriate agencies. Warm regards," the DGP wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Sir, Action is being taken per law. Unruliness and violation of ASL decision, including attempt to change route through force is also being taken up with appropriate agencies. Warm regards. https://t.co/nnayHO25Gl

— GP Singh (@gpsinghips) January 23, 2024

Congress’s Assam chief Bhupen Borah and party leader Jakir Hussain Sikdar were among those injured amid a scuffle between people taking part in the Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra and the police as the yatra tried to enter Guwahati on Tuesday.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had earlier said the yatra would not be allowed inside Guwahati city as it would cause congestion. This had angered Congress leaders, who accused the BJP government in the state of abusing power to scupper the Congress yatra.

On Tuesday morning, the yatris set out from Meghalaya towards Guwahati, and found their route into the city blocked with police barricades in the Khanapara area. Assam Police said its officers had to push back at the yatris who attempted to break through the barricades.

“The police used lathis, and I got injuries on my arms and legs. Many others were also injured,” said Naveen Kumar Paswan, a Congress worker who was part of the yatra. Read more here. 

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will hold a press conference in Assam on Tuesday at 2 pm. 

After being stopped from entering Guwahati on Tuesday, which triggered protests from Congress workers who broke barricades and raised slogans, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, addressing the supporters, lauded the police for doing their job well.

"We know that police officers have done a good job and followed orders, with one person coming and lying down before the (yatra) bus. We are not against you. We are against the chief minister who is most corrupt. Our fight is with him," Gandhi said.

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: @RahulGandhi ??

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— Congress (@INCIndia) January 23, 2024

After being stopped from entering Guwahati on Tuesday, which triggered protests from Congress workers who broke barricades and raised slogans, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said, "Congress workers are not scared of BJP-RSS. We will defeat them in Assam by fighting for the people here."

"They have cancelled my programme at the university. My programme was cancelled, but the students heard me outside," he said, lauding the police for their job.

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— Congress (@INCIndia) January 23, 2024

After being stopped from entering Guwahati on Tuesday, which triggered protests from Congress workers who broke barricades and raised slogans, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said, "We have broken barricades, but will not break the law".

The police, which had set up barricades at two places to prevent the Yatra from entering the city limits, had to use force to stop the Congress workers.

Addressing the supporters, Gandhi said while BJP president J P Nadda took the same route, they were not allowed to travel on it.

"You should not think we are weak. We have broken the barricades," he told his workers and supporters, calling them "babbar sher" (lion). 

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???????? ?? ???????????? ?? ?????? ?? ??? ??????? ??? ??? ???? ????? ?? ?? ????? ?? ???????? ?? ?????????? ????? ???… pic.twitter.com/swYuJkFwBC

— Congress (@INCIndia) January 23, 2024

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday asked the state police to register a case against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for ‘provoking the crowd’ after the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra was stopped by the police in Assam’s Joarabat as it was making its way to Guwahati, triggering protests from Congress workers who broke barricades and raised slogans, news agency PTI reported.

“Your unruly behaviour and violation of agreed guidelines have resulted in a massive traffic jam in Guwahati now,” the Assam CM alleged over X (formerly Twitter).

These are not part of Assamese culture. We are a peaceful state. Such “naxalite tactics” are completely alien to our culture.
I have instructed @DGPAssamPolice to register a case against your leader @RahulGandhi for provoking the crowd & use the footage you have posted on your… https://t.co/G84Qhjpd8h

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) January 23, 2024

The Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra was stopped from entering the city on Tuesday, triggering protests from Congress workers who broke barricades and raised slogans, news agency PTI reported.

The police had to use force to stop the Congress supporters from moving forward. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had said earlier that the Yatra would not be allowed to enter the city in order to avoid traffic jams.

"We have won as we have broken the barricades," AICC in-charge for Assam Jitendra Singh said. (PTI)

Congress party workers on Tuesday were stopped by the police in Assam's Joarabat, news agency PTI reported.

VIDEO | Congress workers stopped by police during the ongoing 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' in Joarabat, #Assam.

(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvqRQz) pic.twitter.com/QMKKy3PYz1

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 23, 2024

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi Tuesday alleged that his invitation to USTM University, located along the Assam-Meghalaya border, was revoked following Union Home Minister Amit Shah's involvement.

The Union Home Minister allegedly called up the leadership of the University and asked them not to allow him to speak to the students.

Gandhi, then, addressed a crowd of students who had gathered on the road, in an impromptu speech atop the bus.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi Tuesday alleged that Assam’s Chief Minister office called up the leadership of the University and asked them not to allow him to speak to the students.

“The Home Minister of India called up the CM of Assam, and then the Assam CM’s office called up the leadership of your university and said that Rahul Gandhi must not be allowed to speak to the students,” Gandhi told a gathering of students in Assam.

"You are being told that you must blindly obey the RSS and the leadership of this country. You are being told that you should not have your own imagination. You are being told that you cannot speak your own language. You are being told that you cannot have your own history. You are being made to be blindly obedient. They are trying to turn you into a slave. It is not possible!"

I wanted to come to your university and talk to you and understand what you're facing.

The Home Minister of India called up the CM of Assam, and then the Assam CM's office called up the leadership of your university and said that Rahul Gandhi must not be allowed to speak to the… pic.twitter.com/fB7Yk8fx1i

— Congress (@INCIndia) January 23, 2024

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi Tuesday resumed the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Assam's Guwahati.

LIVE: Shri @RahulGandhi resumes #BharatJodoNyayYatra in Guwahati, Assam. https://t.co/ZGIZZbyj9s

— Congress (@INCIndia) January 23, 2024

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi Tuesday paid tributes to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose on his birth anniversary in Meghalaya.

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— Congress (@INCIndia) January 23, 2024

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will participate in a NECC meeting at Queens Hotel, located on the Meghalaya-Assam border, followed by an interaction with students and a meeting with members of Guwahati’s civil society.

The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra will resume from the Queens Hotel at around 10 am, which will be followed by a public address in Guwahati.

This is the tenth day of the yatra which will culminate in Assam’s Bishnupur.

Here is today's schedule for the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.

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Watch the #BharatJodoNyayYatra live on our social media handles.

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— Congress (@INCIndia) January 23, 2024

Impeded by barricades and stopped by the police, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had to forego his plan to visit the Batadrava Than in Assam on Monday morning as part of his ongoing Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. After spending the night at a camp in Rupahi in Assam’s Nagaon district, the Yatra convoy began moving towards the Batadrava Than located around 26 km away at 8.25 am.

The Congress had announced earlier that its Yatra schedule for January 22 would include a morning visit to the than in Nagaon district – the birthplace of revered Vaishnavite reformer-saint Srimanta Sankardeva, and one of the most sacred sites for Assamese Vaishnavites. However, en route, the convoy was met with police personnel behind barricades blocking the road at Haibargaon. Read more here

Photos: X/@INCIndia

The 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' will enter Bihar on January 29, with INDIA alliance leaders like Lalu Yadav and CM Nitish Kumar expected to share stage with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, news agency PTI reported. The Yatra, which is expected to touch seven districts in three days, will cover a distance of 425 km in the state. Senior leader and MLC Prem Chandra Mishra said that Gandhi will reach Kishanganj district from Siliguri in West Bengal, and after interacting with the public and a night halt, leave for Purnea a day later. Mishra further added that a rally has been planned in Purnea, with invites sent to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar - who has agreed to attend - and RJ(D) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav. (PTI inputs)

The Congress party on Sunday questioned the naming of "security personnel (of Rahul Gandhi) and others" in an FIR claiming that the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra deviated from its route, news agency PTI reported. Rejecting claims of deviation, the party said that they had not violated any rules and that the FIR registered in Assam's Jorhat was politically motivated. ""I was present at the 'padyatra' (foot march) that day. There were a large crowd in the area and when we reached a trijunction, we proceeded on a straight road," PTI quoted party in-charge of Assam Jitendra Singh as saying. "If anyone broke any barricade, it was politicians like me, Jairam Ramesh, Gaurav Gogoi, Bhupen Borah, Debarata Saikia. Why has the FIR been lodged in the name of security personnel, workers?" he questioned. 

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, while addressing a rally in Meghalaya, said that Home Minister Amit Shah had called the state's government 'most corrupt' in the nation before partnering with them. "There is an illegal coal transport scam as well as the Assembly Dome collapse scam," Rahul said. "The structures to protect your land, the Adivasis, locals and forests have been uprooted," Rahul added, highlighting that the state's languages were not in the 8th schedule. "All the work we did in decentralising power and giving power to the people of Meghalaya is being reversed slowly," he said. 

There is an illegal coal transport scam as well as the Assembly Dome collapse scam. The Home Minister himself called Meghalaya's govt the most corrupt govt in the nation. Immediately after calling the Meghalaya govt most corrupt, he partnered with it.

Your languages are not… pic.twitter.com/LaeGp0F7Sd

— Congress (@INCIndia) January 22, 2024

A day after vehicles involved in the Congress’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra faced attempted attacks in Assam’s Sonitpur district, a large crowd wielding saffron flags gathered on Monday along a road that is part of the yatra’s route in Morigaon district’s Jagiroad. “They have totally blocked the entire road… They are shouting slogans, at times some that are very communally provocative, but police have been mute spectators,” Nagaon MP Prodyut Bordoloi told The Indian Express.

“I spoke to the District Collector and the Superintendent of Police, and they gave me assurances. But in terms of action, I have not seen anything. They (the flag-wielding crowd) have totally blocked the road and are shouting communally provocative slogans. They are actually trying to create some problems.” Read more here

Talking about the reason for commencing the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from the state, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that the BJP and RSS ideology has destroyed the idea of Manipur. "The politics of hatred and violence have torn the state apart, causing hundreds of deaths and thousands of people to lose their property," Rahul said. " Is Manipur not an Indian state? Are the people of Manipur not part of India?" Rahul questioned while expressing that he was astonished that the Prime Minister had not visited Manipur since violence broke out.

Why did we start the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from Manipur?

The reason is that the ideology of the RSS and BJP has destroyed the idea of Manipur. The politics of hatred and violence have torn the state apart, causing hundreds of deaths and thousands of people to lose their… pic.twitter.com/8NEIKRfH7h

— Congress (@INCIndia) January 22, 2024

Assam's 'United Opposition Forum' - an alliance of 15 opposition parties in the state - demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over the alleged attacks on the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra convoy. “As the home minister of Assam, Sarma must resign as it is indeed shameful that the attacks took place on the leader of the largest opposition party of the country, who was a guest in our state,” news agency PTI quoted AJP and Raijor Dal leaders Lurinjyoti Gogoi and Akhil Gogoi as saying. They further alleged that the "hired goons" pelted stones at Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh's car and injured Assam Congress chairman Bhupen Borah, as per PTI.

VIDEO | Congress workers in Srinagar protest against alleged attacks on party MP Rahul Gandhi's convoy during the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Assam. pic.twitter.com/30uVcBrSHl

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 22, 2024

With the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra enters its fifth state on Monday, INC Assam chairman Bhupen Kumar Borah handed over the national flag to Meghalaya Congress chairman Vincent H Pala. 'The great march of justice against injustice is entering Meghalaya from Assam,' the Congress party posted on X (formerly Twitter).

'???? ????? ????? ??????' | DAY 9

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— Congress (@INCIndia) January 22, 2024

Congress MP from Assam and Deputy Leader of the Indian National Congress in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi visited the Batadrava Shrine on Monday "on behalf of Rahul Gandhi", sharing pictures of his visit to the shrine. "Rahul Gandhi was denied permission to visit Batadrava Than by the police citing law&order and pre scheduled program. The fact is the opposite because there was no program taking place," the Congress leader alleged in a post on X (formerly Twitter). 

On behalf of Shri Rahul Gandhi I visited the birthplace of Saint Srimanta Sankardeva. Rahul Gandhi was denied permission to visit Batadrava Than by the police citing law&order and pre scheduled program. The fact is the opposite because there was no program taking place. pic.twitter.com/zcF30bMhD4

— Gaurav Gogoi (@GauravGogoiAsm) January 22, 2024

Morigaon district commissioner on Monday asked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to refrain from holding a padyatra as well as a street-corner meeting as part of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in the interest of his "safety and security", news agency PTI reported. "On the basis of intelligence inputs, the district administration apprehends the involvement of miscreants who may try to disrupt the peace and tranquility of the district by indulging in anti-social activities taking advantage of two major events happening on the same day — The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra and the Ram Lalla Pran Pratistha — simultaneously', district commissioner Devashis Sarma said in his letter to the Congress functionaries, as per PTI. Earlier in the day, Rahul was allegedly stopped from entering the Sri Sri Sankar Dev Satra temple in Assam’s Nagaon.

Rahul Gandhi's convoy encountered a crowd weilding saffron flags, chanting "Modi, Modi" on its way to Assam's Jorabat.

Here's how the Congress leader reacted: 

#Watch | As crowd chants 'Modi, Modi' on road, Rahul Gandhi blows kisses from bus #BharatJodoNyayYatra makes way to Assam's Jorabat

Follow live updates: https://t.co/45XJOzPkqI pic.twitter.com/oFOGd7kEAe

— The Indian Express (@IndianExpress) January 22, 2024

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The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi stopped for over two hours at Haibargaon in Assam’s Nagaon, when it was blockaded on the way to Batadrava Than on Monday morning.

After leaving the night halt camp in Nagaon’s Rupahi around 8:25 am on Monday, the yatra started moving towards the Batadrava Than – until it came across barricades and police personnel. The Congress had announced earlier that its schedule for January 22 includes a morning visit to Batadrava Than in Nagaon district – the birthplace of revered Vaishnavite reformer-saint Srimanta Sankardeva and one of the most sacred sites for Assamese Vaishnavites.

During a law and order crisis all can go to the birthplace of Vaishnav saint Srimanta Sankardeva but only 'Rahul Gandhi cannot go', the Congress leader said in Assam's Nagaon.

Gandhi was stopped at Haibargaon enroute to the sattra (Sankardeva's birthplace) where he along with senior Congress leaders and supporters staged a dharna while party MP Gaurav Gogoi and Batadrava MLA Sibamoni Bora proceeded to the birthplace to resolve the issue.

Gandhi said they had received an invitation to visit Sankardeva's birthplace on January 11 but 'on Sunday we were told that there is a law and order situation', he added.

"This is strange as there is a law and order situation in the area, but Gaurav Gogoi and all can go but only Rahul Gandhi cannot go. I don't know, there may be some reasons but I will go to Batadrava when I get an opportunity," he said. (inputs from PTI)

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Monday claimed that PM Modi exerted pressure on the Assam government to prevent Rahul Gandhi from visiting the birthplace of Vaishnav saint Srimant Sankardeva to pay his obeisance.

'After the authorities had told Rahulji that there could be a law and order problem, he (Gandhi) offered to go alone but this, too, was refused. It is clear that it is their deliberate policy to prevent him from going to the holy place which occupies a place of social, cultural and religious importance for all', Ramesh said.

Following this a lot of phone calls were made by the authorities and Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi and local Congress MLA Sibamoni Bora were allowed to proceed to the sattra to talk with the members of the managing committee to resolve the issue and ensure Gandhi's visit to the sacred place.

'Gandhi will continue to stage the dharna till Gogoi and Bora return from the sattra', he said.

"The managing committee has said they can visit after 3pm but 'what guarantee is there that Himanta Biswa Sarma will say at 2:30 pm that due to law and order situation, he will not be allowed to visit at all', the Congress general secretary said. (inputs from PTI)

"Srimanta Sankardev reflected the thought of Assam, and I thought that we should pay respect at his shrine when we come to Assam. We also walk on his path and help in uniting people and not spreading hate. He is like a guru to us, and that's why I thought I should visit Batadrava Than. I had gotten the invitation to visit the shrine on January 11, But when we came here today, I wasn't allowed to visit and was told that there is a law and order situation. However, it is weird that Gaurav Gogoi can go there, everyone else can go there but I am not allowed," said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi while talking to the media after he was denied entry to the Sri Sri Sankar Dev Satra temple in Nagaon on Monday morning.

VIDEO | Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra: "Srimanta Sankardev reflected the thought of Assam, and I thought that I should pay his respects as we try to walk on his path. He is like a guru to us, and that's why I thought I should visit Batadrava Than. I was invited by them, but I wasn't… pic.twitter.com/ozffqXPG44

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 22, 2024

(PTI PHOTOS)

After Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was allegedly stopped from visiting the Sri Sri Sankar Dev Satra temple in Nagaon, Congress leader K C Venugopal slammed the BJP and said that the 'country had entered a new phase of democracy where the BJP would decide who should go to a temple and at what time.'

Taking to social media platform X, Venugopal wrote: 'This dictatorial regime must realise that its days are numbered. The people of India will not allow such authoritarianism. We will not budge till we are allowed to bow before Sri Sri Srimanta Sankardeva.'

Today the BJP stopped Rahul ji from going to Batadrava Satra, despite prior permission.

We have entered a new phase of democracy where the BJP will decide who should go to a temple and at what time.

This dictatorial regime must realise that its days are numbered. People of… pic.twitter.com/Psr2NT4zWV

— K C Venugopal (@kcvenugopalmp) January 22, 2024

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for allegedly "losing" his temper in response to chants of "Jai Shri Ram" and slogans during the Assam leg of his ongoing Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra and called the Wayanad MP 'entitled dynast'.

BJP National spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla took to X and said that Rahul Gandhi "arrogantly charged" at the crowd.

"Some people chanted Jai Shri Ram & Modi Modi during his yatra, so Rahul Gandhi arrogantly charges at them. Security personnel stopped him. Mohabbat ki dukaan or Ahankaar ki Dukaan. Shameful & atrocious behaviour by the entitled dynast! He even made kissing actions to the crowd !!" he said on Monday.

Rahul Gandhi ?

Some people chanted Jai Shri Ram & Modi Modi during his Yatra so Rahul Gandhi arrogantly charges at them

Security personnel stopped him

Mohabbat ki dukaan or Ahankaar ki Dukaan ???

Shameful & atrocious behaviour by entitled dynast! He even made kissing… pic.twitter.com/fjYnH3ZGhr

— Shehzad Jai Hind (@Shehzad_Ind) January 21, 2024

"Going to a temple can be anyone's matter of faith. Himanta-led government is hindering the faith (of Rahul Gandhi). We wanted to go to the shrine (birthplace of saint Srimanta Sankardeva) peacefully. They have always tried to be a middleman between us and our God," says Congress leader. 

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, whose Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra is currently passing through Assam, slammed the authorities for allegedly stopping him from visiting the Sri Sri Sankar Dev Satra temple in Nagaon. “It seems like only one person is allowed to enter a temple today. Will PM Modi decide who visits temples,” Rahul asked.

VIDEO | "Going to a temple can be anyone's matter of faith. Himanta-led government is hindering the faith (of Rahul Gandhi). We wanted to go to the shrine (birthplace of saint Srimanta Sankardeva) peacefully. They have always tried to be a middleman between us and our God," says… pic.twitter.com/GofIQZjPGZ

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 22, 2024

After Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was not allowed by authorities to visit the Sri Sri Sankar Dev Satra temple in Nagaon, he along with other leaders of the party sat in a protest and sang "Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram" the bhajan which was made popular by Mahatma Gandhi. 

#WATCH | Nagaon, Assam | Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Jairam Ramesh and others sing 'Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram' as they sit on a protest against not being allowed to visit Batadrava Than before 3 pm today. pic.twitter.com/8Y9fszZ8j0

— ANI (@ANI) January 22, 2024

High drama prevailed in Assam's Haiboragaon on Monday after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was not allowed by authorities to visit the Sri Sri Sankar Dev Satra temple in Nagaon. 

Mahila Congress leaders subsequently sat on a dharna to protest against denial of permission to Gandhi to visit the temple. The former Congress chief also joined the dharna.

Authorities said Gandhi will be allowed permission to visit the temple only at 3 PM.

Gandhi questioned the police on why he was being stopped from visiting the temple. "Will PM Modi now decide who will visit a temple and when," Gandhi said.

VIDEO | Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra: Congress MP @RahulGandhi stages sit-in in Nagaon, Assam after being denied permission by Batadrava Than management to visit the shrine. pic.twitter.com/FlpBnaFrgw

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 22, 2024

#WATCH | Nagaon, Assam | Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Jairam Ramesh and others sing 'Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram' as they sit on a protest against not being allowed to visit Batadrava Than before 3 pm today. pic.twitter.com/8Y9fszZ8j0

— ANI (@ANI) January 22, 2024

Rahul Gandhi, other Cong leaders sat on dharna in Assam's Nagaon on Monday morning after the former party chief was stopped from visiting the Sri Sri Sankar Dev Satra temple in Nagaon. 

VIDEO | Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra: Congress workers stage sit-in in Nagaon, Assam after party MP Rahul Gandhi was denied permission by Batadrava Than management to visit the shrine. pic.twitter.com/HrXgpZfg6e

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 22, 2024

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, whose Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra is currently passing through Assam was stopped from visiting the Sri Sri Sankar Dev Satra temple in Nagaon by the temple's authorities. 

The authorities have instead allowed the local MP, MLA to visit Sankardev Satra temple but without Rahul Gandhi. According to PTI news agency, Congress leader K C Venugopal said that Gandhi has been told to visit the shrine 'after 3 pm' when the Ayodhya Ram Temple's 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony will be over.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, whose Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra is currently passing through Assam, slammed the authorities for allegedly stopping him from visiting the Sri Sri Sankar Dev Satra temple in Nagaon. “It seems like only one person is allowed to enter a temple today. Will PM Modi decide who visits temples,” Rahul asked.

#WATCH | On being allowed to enter Batadrava Than in Assam only after 3 pm, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi says "Aaj sirf ek vyakti mandir mein ja sakta hain..." pic.twitter.com/9pz1d6iiuv

— ANI (@ANI) January 22, 2024