Assam Congress accuses BJP of attacking leader convoy

The Assam Congress has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of orchestrating an attack on a convoy of senior leaders during the Nagaon Lok Sabha by-election campaign. The convoy, which included Assam Congress President Gaurav Gogoi and former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, was reportedly targeted with stones, bottles, and black-flag protests.

Gaurav Gogoi alleged that the BJP relies on “goons” and individuals associated with the coal trade to secure election victories, claiming the ruling party uses government machinery to support such elements. Bhupesh Baghel further claimed that the intimidation attempts were linked to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, noting that an individual involved in the stone-pelting was apprehended but subsequently released from police custody.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has rejected these allegations, characterizing the incident as a “clash between rival factions within the Congress itself” and suggesting the party address its internal disputes.