BENGALURU: A day after the Guwahati police registered an FIR against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and other party leaders, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah hit out at his Assam counterpart Himanta Biswa Sarma questioning the need for resorting to “anti-Constitutional actions” to stop Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.
“Focusing on numbers misses the point. Even if it were only Shri Rahul Gandhi, the question remains: Why the need for such anti-constitutional actions to stop him? Are you scared of him? Or Does the shadow of corruption allegations still linger, influencing decisions under BJP’s directive?” Siddaramaiah said in a post on X.
The CM said that it is time to prioritize the rights and identity of Assam and not succumb to party pressure. “Assam deserves a leader who champions its rich language, culture, and history, not one who succumbs to party pressure like you. It’s time to prioritize the rights and identity of Assam over party lines”, Siddaramaiah said.
Deeply concerned by the security breach faced by @RahulGandhi in Assam. It's a stark failure of our security systems and a violation of constitutional duties by the Centre and State.
Such desperate actions against the 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' are not just undemocratic but… pic.twitter.com/MEtTM7PANV
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) January 24, 2024
Siddaramaiah asked Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma to take inspiration from the Congress governments in Karnataka and Telangana where the party upholds regional interests within the Indian framework.
“Look at Karnataka, Telangana, where Congress upholds regional interests within the Indian framework, embodying true unity in diversity. It’s not about numbers; it’s about principles and courage to stand for what’s right. Congress will continue to fight for justice everywhere”, he said.
Siddaramaiah’s post came in reaction to the Assam Chief Minister taking a dig at Rahul Gandhi saying that not even 2,000 people came to see Rahul Gandhi throughout his journey which extended more than 500 kilometres.
“Throughout the 500+ km journey, not even 2,000 people came to see him at one place. Please look at the video you have posted and count the number of people. Assam is with Ram and not with Ravana”, Sarma said in reaction to Siddaramaiah’s post sharing video clips of police trying to stop the Yatra at the Guwahati border.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Tuesday that an FIR has been registered against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, party General Secretary K C Venugopal, National Students’ Union of India All India Congress Committee in-charge Kanhaiya Kumar and other individuals under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.
“With reference to wanton acts of violence, provocation, damage to public property and assault on police personnel today by Cong members, a FIR has been registered against Rahul Gandhi, KC Venugopal , Kanhaiya Kumar and other individuals under section 120(B)143/147/188/283/353/332/333/427 IPC R/W Sec. 3 of PDPP Act”, Sarma said in a post on X. (ANI)