Guwahati, Feb 11: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on February 10 accused the Congress of allegedly planning to orchestrate incidents of violence involving its own leaders in an attempt to generate public sympathy ahead of the forthcoming Assembly elections. He claimed that one person linked to the alleged plan has already been arrested.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an official function in Bongaigaon, Sarma said Guwahati Police had received a complaint from within the Congress party regarding a purported strategy to “stage a fight” for political mileage. “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. In view of it, the security of Gaurav Gogoi has been increased,” the Chief Minister stated.
He added that the investigation was at an initial stage and further details would be made public within four to five days as the probe progresses.
The remarks came a day after Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaurav Gogoi alleged that he was not being provided the level of security usually extended to state Congress chiefs and claimed that well-wishers had warned him about a possible attack.
Sarma also alleged that two officials of the political consultancy firm Inclusive Minds, engaged by the Congress, were involved in planning the party’s activities. “Two officials of Inclusive Minds plan everything and Congress executes it,” he said.
According to the Chief Minister, one of the individuals allegedly associated with the planning approached the police and filed a complaint, stating that he could not support such actions. Sarma said the complainant maintained that, as an Assamese, he was unwilling to be part of the alleged plan and therefore came forward.
Police arrested one person early Tuesday morning in connection with the case, while another individual has been issued a notice. “Investigation has started. We will reveal more in four-five days,” the Chief Minister added.
The developments come months before the Assam Assembly elections, intensifying the political confrontation between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the opposition Congress.
