Rahul Gandhi Has Turned Congress Toward "Soft Naxalism": Himanta Sarma

In a sharp attack against Rahul Gandhi, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma today said the Congress leader has turned the party toward "Soft Naxalism" from the "Gandhian ideologies".

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Mr Sarma said, "The essence of the Congress party, originally envisioned by Pujya Bapu, has been lost under the influence of its current urban naxal-dominated leadership."

Rahul Gandhi is leading the 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra', which started in Manipur on January 14 and will culminate in Mumbai in March. 

Talking to reporters, Mr Sarma said, "The politics of Congress has become that of soft Naxalites. Their slogans do not reflect the Gandhian principles. Even though I was in Congress for 22 years, such slogans were not there. Their slogans were soft and different, I have seen they have killed the soul of Congress too."

Yesterday, Himanta Biswa Sarma took a jibe at Rahul Gandhi, questioning his remarks about "coal on the stove." It came in response to Mr Gandhi's statement, where he referred to coal being used in stoves.

On the other hand, Rajya Sabha MP from Assam and political secretary to the chief minister, Pabitra Margherita, today said they "thank Rahul Gandhi that through 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' they have proved their organisational strength in Assam. Rahul Gandhi is a Prime Minister candidate of the INDIA alliance and in his meeting, only 500 to 600 people have gathered during the yatra."

Congress workers, he claimed, were frustrated by the turnout and tried to enter busy areas in Guwahati for media attention. "They diverted routes and tried to enter Guwahati city, which has hospitals, schools and colleges. For media attention, they chose a busy street and got involved in a fight with the policemen who stopped them," he said.

The face-off between Congress workers and police led to chaotic scenes at Guwahati city limits. Mr Gandhi and other Congress leaders have been charged with rioting, unlawful assembly and criminal conspiracy, among others after the clash. The CID is probing the case.

Mr Margherita alleged that Congress workers had attacked at least five policemen and the cops had suffered serious injuries.

"This is not a Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, this is a 'law and order todo' yatra, a 'barricade todo yatra' in Assam. In Naxalite style, Mr Gandhi instigated the people," he alleged.