Congress leaders claimed that BJP workers had thrown stones at them but those from the Congress had remained peaceful. (PTI photo)
A police complaint was filed against Assam Congress legislator Nilamani Sen Deka today for making controversial remarks against Union Education Minister Smriti Irani and Prime Minister Narendra Modi while the Opposition BJP demanded an apology from Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi.
BJP supporters held protests in front of the Congress headquarters demanding the arrest of Mr Sen Deka.
Ms Irani, who was on a visit to the state on Monday and addressed a workers rally in Nalbari, hit back at the ruling Congress in Assam alleging that women's dignity is at stake in Assam and people will give a "befitting reply" in the 2016 assembly polls in the state.
Amid claims by both sides that sticks had been wielded and stones thrown which caused injury to some, police were called in.
However, as the situation turned worse and traffic was disrupted on the arterial G S Road, where the Congress headquarters is located, police used tear gas shells.
Congress leaders claimed that BJP workers had thrown stones at them but those from the Congress had remained peaceful.
Later, a First Information Report was lodged alleging that BJP members had indulged in vandalism, injured 27 Congress leaders and damaged three vehicles, police said.
Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi had termed the statement of Mr Sen Deka as despicable and unwarranted.
Speaking to reporters today state Congress president Anjan Dutta claimed that BJP workers were armed with machetes and bamboo sticks to attack Congress workers.
"They (BJP workers) threw stones and injured 25 Congress leaders, including seven seriously and damaged three vehicles," he said.
"Nilomoni Sendeka yesterday itself apologised for his remarks against Irani and took back his allegations. After he has apologised why resort to violence? But BJP made an issue out of it."