The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) organized a massive protest rally in Guwahati, reflecting the growing resentment within the party over the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) chargesheet in the National Herald case. The chargesheet, which targets senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, has ignited a firestorm of opposition from the party. APCC president, along with numerous Congress supporters, voiced strong opposition to what they termed as a politically motivated attack against their leaders.
The protest came as part of a nationwide demonstration staged by the Congress party, which has been actively denouncing the ED’s actions across India. In Assam, the rally saw large participation from party members, activists, and common citizens, all of whom rallied behind the cause, expressing their concerns about the alleged misuse of investigative agencies by the ruling government. The demonstrators accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government at the Centre of using the ED as a tool to target opposition leaders and silence dissent.
The rally in Guwahati was a highly charged affair, with Congress workers shouting slogans and marching through the streets, urging the government to stop what they called “vendetta politics.” The protesters also carried placards and banners highlighting their discontent with the ongoing political developments. The APCC leadership emphasized that the charges against the Gandhis were fabricated and politically motivated, designed to undermine the credibility of the Congress party. The protesters also expressed their belief that these charges were part of a larger strategy by the BJP to weaken the opposition and stifle the voices of those challenging the government.
During the protest, APCC president spoke passionately about the issue, accusing the government of trying to divert attention from its failures by focusing on the Congress leadership. He reiterated that the allegations against Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi were baseless and politically charged, and he called for an end to the intimidation tactics used against opposition leaders. His address highlighted the unity and resilience of Congress workers, who, despite facing numerous challenges, remained firm in their commitment to defend their party’s integrity.
Apart from the rally, the Congress in Assam also planned other forms of protest, including public meetings and discussions to further elaborate on the issues raised by the chargesheet. The party sought to build a larger narrative around the alleged misuse of government agencies, framing the ED’s actions as an attempt to target the Gandhis unjustly.
The rally in Guwahati was not only a political event but also a symbolic act of defiance by the Congress in Assam. It showcased the party’s determination to stand up against what it viewed as an authoritarian approach by the central government. The leaders and workers gathered were firm in their belief that these legal and political challenges were nothing more than a ploy to deflect attention from issues that matter to the common people.
The Congress also emphasized the need for a fair and unbiased investigation, one that was not influenced by political considerations. They stressed that the party remained committed to defending democracy and upholding the rule of law. The protestors’ chants and slogans in Guwahati resonated with similar protests held in other parts of the country, creating a unified front for the Congress.
As the day progressed, the protest garnered support from various sections of society, with people joining in to show solidarity with the party’s stance. The Congress party in Assam made it clear that it would not back down in the face of what it considered political harassment. The rally also served as a reminder of the ongoing tension between the Congress and the BJP, with both parties exchanging barbs over the handling of key national issues.
The Congress party’s nationwide protests against the ED’s chargesheet reflect the deepening political divide in the country, with the opposition accusing the ruling government of using state institutions for political gain. While the protests continue across India, the rally in Assam is a clear indication that the party is not ready to let go of its fight against what it perceives as a deliberate attempt to weaken its leadership. As the protests unfold, the issue of political targeting by investigative agencies remains at the forefront of the national discourse.
The protests, particularly in Assam, highlighted the intense political climate surrounding the National Herald case. The Congress leadership in the state made it clear that they would continue to challenge what they see as an orchestrated effort to destabilize their party. APCC president, in his speech, urged the central government to focus on addressing the pressing issues facing the country, such as unemployment, inflation, and farmers’ distress, instead of engaging in what he described as a “witch hunt” against the opposition.
In addition to the strong political statements made during the rally, Congress party members also pointed out that the timing of the ED’s chargesheet seemed suspicious, coming at a time when the party was gearing up for key elections. The protesters raised questions about the impartiality of the investigative agencies, expressing doubts about whether the government’s actions were aimed at preventing Congress from mounting an effective electoral challenge.
As the rally gained momentum, Congress leaders stressed that they would not allow such tactics to intimidate them. They spoke about the party’s legacy of fighting for the rights of the people and its role in the Indian independence movement. The Congress party, they asserted, would continue to fight for democracy, justice, and fairness, regardless of the hurdles thrown by the ruling government.
The event in Guwahati was also a reminder of the Congress’s strength in Assam, a state where the party has seen fluctuating fortunes in recent years. While the party has faced challenges in maintaining its foothold in the state, the rally demonstrated that the Congress still commands significant support among the people of Assam. The participation of a diverse group of people—from young activists to senior Congress leaders—indicated that the party was determined to retain its influence and continue its political legacy in the region.
The rally also had a ripple effect on the state’s political discourse. In the days following the protest, political analysts observed that the Congress was likely to intensify its campaigns against the ED’s actions, using the protest as a springboard for further political engagement with the public. By turning the National Herald issue into a focal point, the Congress party hoped to rally support from voters who felt that the actions of the central government were undermining the democratic values of the country.
In the coming weeks, the Assam Congress plans to hold more such protests, including public gatherings and awareness campaigns, to keep the issue alive. The party is determined to use this political momentum to hold the BJP accountable, especially as the nation gears up for upcoming state and national elections. The rally in Guwahati, though focused on the ED charges, was also a broader commentary on the state of politics in India and the need for transparency and fairness in the country’s institutions.
As the nationwide protests continue, the Congress party in Assam and across the country remains firm in its stance against what it sees as political harassment. Whether this movement will result in a significant shift in the political landscape remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the National Herald case has become a flashpoint in the battle between the Congress and the BJP, and the protests are far from over. The political rivalry between the two parties has intensified, with each side accusing the other of undermining the nation’s democratic institutions, and the outcome of this ongoing confrontation could have far-reaching consequences for India’s political future.