The Congress party alleged on Thursday that the Assam government has refused night-stay permissions at public grounds for its leaders in two districts during the upcoming 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra'. Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia revealed in a press conference that the party is now seeking alternative arrangements on private farmlands for parking container vehicles, where senior national leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, will stay overnight.
Saikia stated, "We sought a school ground at Gogamukh in Dhemaji district for only the night stay by parking our container vehicles. The permission was initially given, but at the last moment, it was withdrawn." Similarly, a college in Jorhat district also denied permission for a one-night stay at its playground.
Alleging that the BJP is obstructing their democratic right to hold a march, Saikia said, "We are not aware of the position in other districts as the application process was done online, and we have not heard yet. We are now seeking support from individuals and private firms for using their grounds for night halts."
Without disclosing details, Saikia mentioned that the party has secured necessary grounds in Jorhat and Dhemaji districts for the overnight stay of its leaders and workers. The 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra,' led by MP Rahul Gandhi, is scheduled to commence from Imphal on January 14 and conclude on March 20 in Mumbai, with the Assam leg set for January 18 to 25.
Saikia criticized the ruling party, stating, "The party which did not fight for India's freedom is ruling the country now. They don't want us to highlight people's rights. Freedom is endangered by the fascist and undemocratic BJP." He emphasized that the march aims to advocate for economic, social, and political justice for the people, making them aware of their constitutional rights.
Responding to questions about potential political gains in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in Assam due to the march, Saikia stated that it would be determined by the people of the state. He, along with other senior party members, released a booklet detailing the entire march, covering 6,713 km in 67 days and passing through 110 districts in 15 states.
(With Agency Inputs)
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