Amid the ongoing Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Assam, Rahul Gandhi spoke out against what he perceives as attempts to control and restrict the students in the North East and across India. He alleged that the Home Minister, Amit Shah, personally intervened, calling Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and requesting that Rahul Gandhi should not be allowed to meet the students in Assam. Rahul emphasized the significance of allowing students the freedom to listen to various perspectives and speakers.
Rahul Gandhi remarked, “Nobody should stop you from believing in any religion you want. You have come here because you are not ready for what the Chief Minister wants you to follow. An attempt is being made to stop the student from thinking. If students are stopped from thinking, then India will be destroyed; India will not survive.”
He also highlighted concerns about the suppression of local languages, stating, “You are being told that you cannot speak your language. You are being told that you cannot have your history.” He stressed the importance of preserving individual identity and diverse cultural histories.
Rahul Gandhi reassured the students, “There is no need for any student to be afraid; you are the future of this country.”
Meanwhile, the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra resumed its journey on the 10th day. Heavy security measures were put in place as the yatra reached the Khanapara Area in Guwahati. The official Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra handle on social media announced that a press conference would be held, followed by the yatra’s continuation with a stop at Bishnupur in Assam.
The developments followed Rahul Gandhi’s visit to the Batadrava Than, the birthplace of revered Vaishnavite saint Srimanta Sankardeva, in Assam. There, he took a veiled dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi after being denied permission to enter the shrine. Rahul expressed his desire to visit the temple and questioned why permission was denied. He alluded to the limited access granted to individuals in apparent reference to the PM’s involvement.
