GUWAHATI, Oct 12: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday announced peaceful rallies at district headquarters across the state from October 13 to 31, accusing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of undermining democratic institutions through his criticism of the Election Commission of India (ECI) and plans to march towards the Supreme Court.
The announcement came as Gandhi prepared to lead an INDIA bloc protest march in New Delhi on Monday over the functioning of the poll body. The march was scheduled to begin at Connaught Place and proceed towards the Supreme Court, despite the Chief Justice of India declining a request to meet opposition MPs on the issue.
In a post on X, Sarma accused the Congress of selectively questioning electoral outcomes, alleging that it accepted results when it won but challenged the democratic process after defeats.
He also criticised Gandhi for approaching the Supreme Court after the CJI declined the meeting request, accusing him of attempting to exert political pressure on the judiciary.
“Constitutional institutions cannot be made answerable to a party’s electoral frustrations,” Sarma said.
The chief minister said the Assam BJP would organise rallies to highlight what he described as attempts by the Congress to pressure constitutional institutions, oppose the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls to shield illegal infiltrators, and undermine the democratic mandate. He said the campaign would also reaffirm the party’s support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his vision of a developed India by 2047.
Meanwhile, Gandhi urged opposition parties, students and civil society organisations to join the Delhi march, describing it as an effort to defend democracy and demand accountability from the ECI.
Congress MP Imran Masood said the protest was planned after the CJI declined Gandhi’s request for a meeting and memorandum, claiming the movement was attracting support beyond the party. Congress MP Jebi Mather said the march would bring together citizens across political and social divisions to protect democracy.
Security was tightened across central Delhi, with barricades and personnel deployed at several locations. Authorities announced that entry and exit at Patel Chowk, Janpath, Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, Central Secretariat and Barakhamba Road metro stations would remain closed until 4 pm on Monday.
Congress MP Gaddam Vamsi Krishna accused the BJP of attempting to restrict the participation of young and first-time voters, citing the SIR exercise and Form 6, used to apply for inclusion in electoral rolls.
The confrontation follows Gandhi’s allegations that Delhi Police personnel and BJP workers used violence against students and women during a protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
