Guwahati: The Assam opposition parties have strongly criticized the state government following an attack on Congress MP Rakibul Hussain and his personal security officers in Nagaon district.
The incident occurred on Thursday in Rupahihat area where Hussain faced ‘Rakibul Hussain go back’ slogans and was reportedly struck by a cricket bat, though he was unharmed. His two PSOs sustained minor injuries.
The Congress party labelled the attack a “murder of democracy” and a sign of “jungle raj and goonda raj” prevailing in the state. Congress MLAs held a protest march within the Assam Assembly complex, demanding immediate arrests.
Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia alleged that the police failed to provide adequate security despite prior warnings and claimed the government was trying to stifle opposition voices. He criticized Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s response as insensitive, noting the absence of any expression of concern or an order for an investigation. Saikia further claimed the attack was a “planned conspiracy” against the Congress, anticipating more such incidents leading up to the 2026 Assembly elections.
Congress MLA Jakir Hussain Sikdar declared the Home Department and Assam Police as failures and insisted that protests would continue until arrests are made. The Asom Sonmilito Morcha (ASOM), an alliance of 15 anti-BJP parties, condemned the attack and warned of a “dangerous future” for the state, suggesting the government was creating an environment conducive to violence ahead of the elections.
CPI(M) Assam state secretary Suprakash Talukdar described the attack as “fully organised and pre-planned,” highlighting the deteriorating law and order situation in the state and the threat to democracy. He implied the ruling party and administration’s involvement if prompt action wasn’t taken.
AJP general secretary Jagadish Bhuyan alleged the attack couldn’t have happened without the government’s tacit approval, attributing it to the BJP importing violent political tactics from other states.
Raijor Dal president and Independent MLA Akhil Gogoi also condemned the attack, calling it a Home Department failure and a bad omen for Assam’s politics.