Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra: Rahul Gandhi barred from Sri Sri Sankardev's birthplace visit in Assam, stages dharna

Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra: In a surprising turn of events, Assam Police, allegedly acting on Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's directives, obstructed Rahul Gandhi, senior Congress leader, from visiting the Batadrava Than, the revered birthplace of saint Sri Sri Sankardev in Assam. Despite prior permission from the managing committee, Gandhi was halted, leading to a protest where he sat on the road.

Despite the managing committee's prior approval for Gandhi's visit to Batadrava Than, situated in Hainoragaon near Nagaon, the Assam Police denied him entry, prompting a road-side protest by the Congress leader. The late-night revocation of permission raised eyebrows and sparked controversy.

Gandhi's Protest and Questions

Expressing his dismay, Rahul Gandhi questioned the authorities, asking about the reasons behind the denial. Gandhi, who insisted on a peaceful visit, expressed confusion over the sudden change in the situation. He stated, "What mistake have I made that I am not allowed inside the temple? We were invited, and now they are telling us that we can't visit."

भारत की सांस्कृतिक विविधता को शंकर देव जी ने भक्ति के माध्यम से एकता के सूत्र में पिरोया, लेकिन आज मुझे उन्हीं के स्थान पर माथा टेकने से रोका गया।

मैंने मंदिर के बाहर से ही भगवान को प्रणाम कर उनका आशीर्वाद लिया।

अमर्यादित सत्ता के विरुद्ध मर्यादा का यह संघर्ष हम आगे बढ़ाएंगे। pic.twitter.com/EjMS1hB6pG

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 22, 2024

Congress Condemnation

Condemning the incident, Congress general secretary K C Venugopal criticised the BJP, stating, "Today the BJP stopped Rahul Ji from going to Batadrava Satra, despite prior permission. We have entered a new phase of democracy where the BJP will decide who should go to a temple and at what time." He added that such authoritarianism would not be tolerated by the people of India.

Chronology of Events

Jairam Ramesh, Congress general secretary in charge Communications, provided a timeline of events. He detailed how local Congress representatives had met with Batadrawa Than Satradhikar to communicate Rahul Gandhi's desire to visit on January 22nd during the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. Despite initial support, the sudden announcement by Assam CM disrupted the plan, leading to speculation of political interference.

क्रोनोलॉजी समझिए:

1. 11 जनवरी, 2024 को स्थानीय कांग्रेस विधायक शिबोमणि बरुआ और एक अन्य विधायक राणा गोस्वामी ने बरदोवा थान सत्राधिकार से मुलाक़ात की और उन्हें बताया कि 22 जनवरी की सुबह भारत जोड़ो न्याय यात्रा के दौरान राहुल गांधी कुछ मिनट श्री श्री शंकरदेव की पवित्र जन्मस्थली में… https://t.co/br8PjHy4xW

— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) January 22, 2024

Political Interference Allegations

Ramesh suggested that the Batadrawa Than Management Committee might have succumbed to pressure from the Assam CM, who, in turn, could have been influenced by directives from Delhi. This alleged interference raised concerns about the autonomy of religious institutions and the role of politics in such matters.

The episode of denying Rahul Gandhi access to the Batadrava Than reflects a complex interplay of politics and religion. As the incident unfolds, questions regarding the influence of political figures in religious affairs take center stage, prompting concerns about democratic values and the separation of powers.