BJP Workers Protest in Guwahati Despite CM Sarma’s Remarks Against Political Movements
A day after Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma asserted that political parties should focus on electoral processes rather than organizing protests, BJP workers in Guwahati held a demonstration on Saturday, drawing attention to the apparent contradiction.
CM Sarma, in a statement on Friday, emphasized that political parties should engage in movements through elections, not through street protests. “Political parties’ movements are conducted through election ballots. Those who wish to engage in politics should do so by becoming ministers or legislators. A political party can never be a student or youth organization, and organizing protests is not their role,” he remarked.
Despite this, BJP workers marched from Latasil Playground to Judge’s Field in Guwahati, demanding action against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over allegations of misconduct involving Nagaland BJP MP Phangnon Konyak.
Defending the protest, BJP State President Bhabesh Kalita stated, “We have not come to break barricades like the Congress. We are here as a party to protest peacefully and with permission.” He emphasized that the demonstration was an expression of the party’s discontent over Gandhi’s alleged disrespect toward a female MP.
Kalita further added, “We condemn Rahul Gandhi’s actions. Thousands of BJP members and workers are here to demand strict judicial action against him. This protest is our way of standing up for dignity and justice.”
Echoing this sentiment, a BJP worker said, “If Rahul Gandhi doesn’t know how to respect women, how can he run a party or lead the country? He should learn how to respect women from our honorable Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”
The protest stems from allegations made by MP Phangnon Konyak, who accused Gandhi of “misbehaving” with her during a demonstration near Parliament. In a letter to Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, Konyak detailed her discomfort, stating that Gandhi’s “physical proximity” and “loud voice” made her feel “extremely uncomfortable.”
The BJP’s demonstration in Guwahati raises questions about the alignment between the Chief Minister’s stated philosophy on political movements and the party’s actions on the ground. While Sarma’s remarks highlighted a preference for electoral engagement over protests, the BJP’s response to the allegations against Gandhi underscores the party’s willingness to mobilize public demonstrations when deemed necessary.
