Protests in Assam over Congress leader’s remark against HRD Minister Smriti Irani
Guwahati: Protests rocked different parts of Assam on Monday seeking Congress leader Nilomoni Sen Deka’s ouster from the party for making objectionable comment against Union Minister Smriti Irani on Sunday.
Some BJP legislators have filed FIR against Deka, a former Assam minister who while addressing a public meeting on Sunday in Assam’s Nalbari district said many refer to Irani as the “second wife of Prime Minister Narendra Modi”.
Deka’s comment came a day ahead of Irani’s scheduled visit to the district for a public rally.
The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) distanced itself from Deka’s statement, saying it was his personal comment and not the APCC’s official view.
The former Assam minister, however, later withdrew his comment.
But hundreds of BJP workers surrounded Deka’s residence at Rajgarh locality in Guwahati over the comment. Several women organizations and BJP units have also staged massive protests against the Congress leader across the state. Amidst claims by both sides that sticks had been wielded and stones thrown which caused injury to some, police were called in.
However, as the situation turned worse and traffic was disrupted on the arterial G S Road, where the Congress headquarters is located, police burst tear gas shells.
Congress leaders claimed before Guwahati Police Commissioner Mukesh Agarwal at the site that delay in police action had led the situation to turn violent.
They also claimed that BJP workers had thrown stones at them but those from the Congress had remained peaceful.
Congress workers were seen wearing helmets with sticks in their hands and standing behind the gates of Rajiv Bhavan.
Later, an FIR was lodged alleging that BJP members had indulged in vandalism, injured 27 Congress leaders and damaged three vehicles, police said. Speaking to newsmen, APCC president Anjan Dutta claimed that BJP workers were armed with machetes and bamboo sticks to attack Congress workers.
“They (BJP workers) threw stones and injured 25 Congress leaders, including seven seriously and damaged three vehicles,” he said.
Sen Deka expresses regret: Meanwhile, a day after he made a controversial statement creating outrage, Congress leader Nilamani Sen Deka on Monday expressed regret and said he was withdrawing his comment.
“We criticise the opponents in different languages. While doing so, I made the comment. I regret my statement and withdraw it immediately. I do not want any controversy over it any more,” Deka said. (Agencies)