Himanta Sarma Blames Congress for Death of BJP Worker in Pre-Election Violence in Assam

Himanta Biswa Sarma alleged that “Congress men” killed the BJP worker. (FILE)

Guwahati:

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma alleged that “Congress men” “violently attacked and killed” a BJP worker during the pre-election violence in Nagaon district. On Friday, BJP worker Biplab Saikia died due to injuries sustained in clashes between members of the two parties ahead of the by-elections in the district’s Samaguri constituency.

Mr. Sarma posted on

He criticized the Congress, assuring those responsible would face justice and saying the party’s public calls to “protect the Constitution” were incompatible with what he described as “inciting poll-related violence”.

According to reports, clashes broke out between BJP and Congress workers on Thursday afternoon, allegedly sparked by accusations that each side was obstructing the other’s rallies. The BJP worker was injured in the clashes and died a day later at his home in Bajiagaon, adding to the urgency of security concerns surrounding the election.

Police said that many people, including journalists, were injured in the incident.

While the police did not confirm whether Saikia died due to the injuries he received during the violence, they said that a death report had been received.

BJP candidate Diplu Ranjan Sharma is competing against Congress member Tanzil Hussain in the constituency that will go to polls on November 13.

Tanzil is the son of former Congress minister Rakibul Hussain, who represented Samaguri for the last 23 years before vacating the seat following his election to the Lok Sabha from Dhubri earlier this year.