Assam CM Cancels Programs to Avoid Clash with Congress Bharat Jodo Yatra

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has canceled his scheduled programs in the states upper districts to avoid a clash with events of Congress Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. He also dismissed allegations that the form-distribution schedule of a newly-announced scheme for rural women clashes with the yatra itinerary.

Guwahati, Jan 16: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has canceled his scheduled programs in the state's upper districts on January 18-19 to prevent a clash with events of the Congress' Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in those areas. He also claimed that people are now "ashamed" of attending gatherings and meetings of the Congress.

Clash of Schedules

Sarma explained that Rahul Gandhi's yatra schedule coincides with the dates for distributing forms for a new welfare scheme. He emphasized that these dates were declared before they knew about Gandhi's visit. The CM dismissed allegations that the form-distribution schedule was intentionally set to clash with the yatra itinerary.

Adjustments and Cancellations

As a gesture of accommodation, Sarma canceled his program in Majuli on January 18 to avoid any conflict with Rahul Gandhi's event. He also called off ration card distribution programs in Jorhat and Dergaon on January 18 and January 19, the period during which the yatra is scheduled to pass through those areas. Sarma asserted that he has already canceled all his programs in upper Assam on those dates, which were declared a month ago.

Union Home Minister's Visit

Regarding Union Home Minister Amit Shah's proposed visit to the state on January 20, Sarma stated that the program has not been finalized yet. He assured that they will ensure it does not coincide with the yatra.

Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Assam

The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra will cover 833 km in 17 districts of Assam, beginning from Sivasagar on January 18. Sarma claimed that people, except for one community, are not interested in attending the yatra. He alleged that people are ashamed of going to Congress meetings.

'Miya Muslims' and Anti-Hinduism Allegations

When asked which community he was referring to, Sarma clarified that he meant the 'Miya Muslims,' a colloquial term for Bengali-speaking Muslims. He asserted that even they do not want to attend Congress meetings nowadays, as they have witnessed the benefits of government schemes and the government's inclusive approach.

The chief minister further alleged that the Congress yatra is "espousing the cause of anti-Hinduism." He emphasized that the Congress is anti-Hindu, while his government is pro-Hindu, but they are not anti-Muslim, anti-Christian, or against any community.