Assam: Violence erupted before the by-election in Samaguri

GUWAHATI- Violence has surged in Assam’s Samaguri Assembly Constituency as the region awaits an upcoming by-election. Over the past 24 hours, both the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress have accused each other’s supporters of firing gunshots. The police are investigating these serious allegations.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma criticised the Congress for resorting to violence under the cover of darkness to intimidate BJP workers and said no one would be allowed to harm or undermine the democratic process.

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CM Sarma said on Twitter, “I strongly condemn the attack on MLA Jitu Goswami in Samaguri by Congress supporters. This is the same Congress that proudly flaunts the Constitution in front of cameras but resorts to violence under the cover of darkness to intimidate our workers.”

The BJP also alleged that three journalists who went to cover the violence on Saturday were misbehaved by Congress supporters.

The BJP candidate said, ‘I strongly condemn the firing incident. Rakibul Hussain gave a very provocative speech last night, after which the firing took place. Now we are going to complain to the Election Commission and demand immediate action.’

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A police officer said, “We received information that there was an incident of firing in Mari Putikhaiti village of Samaguri. BJP workers alleged that shots were fired from the house of a Congress worker targeting the vehicle of ruling party MLA Jitu Goswami. Goswami and BJP leader Suresh Bora were travelling in the vehicle, however no one was injured in the firing.” He further said.

‘On the other hand, Congress workers alleged that Imam Uddin, son of former party member of Anchalik Panchayat Ismail Hussain, was shot by BJP workers, injuring his leg.’ He further said that the injured victim Uddin was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment and the claims are being verified.

At least half a dozen vehicles were vandalised at several places in the constituency as supporters of the ruling and opposition parties clashed with each other overnight, police said.

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For the upcoming by-election, the Congress has fielded Dhubri MP Rakibul Hussain’s son Tanjil as the party candidate against BJP’s Diplu Ranjan Sarma.

In the demographically sensitive Nagaon district, the BJP is making all-out efforts to snatch the seat, while the Congress is in no mood to give up its bastion at any cost.

Hussain, who won the Dhubri Lok Sabha seat this year by a record margin of over 10.12 lakh votes, was the MLA from Samaguri for five consecutive terms before becoming an MP.

By-elections will be held in Dholai, Sidli, Bongaigaon, Behali and Samaguri assembly constituencies as these seats fell vacant after their MLAs won the Lok Sabha elections.

Voting for the by-elections will be held on November 13 and counting of votes will take place on November 23.