Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh on December 25 strongly condemned the vandalism reported at St Mary’s English School in Assam’s Nalbari district, alleging that groups associated with the ruling party were targeting other faiths in the run-up to Christmas. His remarks came amid political reactions to the incident, which involved damage to religious symbols and festive decorations.
According to reports, unidentified miscreants vandalised decorations at the school in the Panigaon area and at several other locations in Nalbari town. Speaking to reporters, Ghosh alleged that organisations linked to the BJP, including the Bajrang Dal, were behind such acts, claiming they were aimed at intimidating religious minorities. He said such actions ran contrary to India’s cultural ethos and constitutional principles, asserting that the ruling party’s conduct was the opposite of what the Constitution envisages.
Assam Police said the accused have been arrested and a case has been registered. In an official statement, police said the miscreants unlawfully entered the school premises under the jurisdiction of Belsor Police Station at around 2.30 pm, damaging outer decorations, street lights, plant pots and other items. Some articles were allegedly set on fire, causing loss of property. The case has been registered as Case No. 116/2025.
Earlier, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaurav Gogoi also condemned the incident, describing it as a result of what he termed the ruling party’s “politics of hatred.” He appealed to people not to fall prey to what he called provocative acts by vested interests and said the vandalism amounted to a direct attack on the constitutional framework of the country.
Gogoi further linked the incident to allegations of corruption in the Jal Jeevan Mission, claiming that attempts were being made to divert public attention following statewide Congress protests. In a post on X, he alleged that the alleged scam had occurred under the patronage of the concerned minister and Nalbari MLA Jayanta Malla Baruah, a close aide of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Condemning the desecration of festive items and religious symbols at the school, Gogoi said fraternity is a core value enshrined in the Preamble of the Constitution. He added that a future Congress government would enact strict laws to punish anyone involved in desecrating places of worship or religious rituals, regardless of religion, including Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Jain or Sikh.
