Guwahati, 17th January: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has rescheduled his planned programs in the state’s upper districts on January 18-19 to avoid a clash with Congress’ Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. Sarma deferred his Majuli program and canceled ration card distribution events in Jorhat and Dergaon during the yatra period.
He also asserted that people are now “ashamed” of attending Congress gatherings and meetings. Sarma explained that Rahul Gandhi’s yatra schedule coincided with their pre-planned welfare dates for a new scheme. He refuted Congress’ claims of intentionally clashing schedules, emphasizing that his actions were to avoid inconvenience.
Sarma mentioned that he canceled his Majuli program as a gesture to prevent clashes with Rahul Gandhi’s event, considering Majuli’s small size and not wanting to burden the district administration.
Additionally, he called off ration card distribution programs in Jorhat and Dergaon during the yatra period. Sarma emphasized that he had already canceled all upper Assam programs on January 18 and 19, declared a month ago, showing the government’s flexibility.
Regarding Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s proposed visit on January 20, Sarma assured that the program would not coincide with the yatra. The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra is set to cover 833 km across 17 districts of Assam, starting from Sivasagar on January 18.
While Sarma claimed they are not preventing anyone from attending the yatra, he alleged that people, except for one community, are reluctant to go. He stated that people are ashamed of attending Congress meetings. When asked about the community, Sarma specified ‘Miya Muslims’ (Bengali-speaking Muslims), claiming they, too, avoid Congress gatherings.
Sarma further accused the Congress yatra of promoting anti-Hindu causes but emphasized that their government is pro-Hindu without being anti-Muslim, anti-Christian, or against any community.