Guwahati witnessed high political drama on Sunday, August 31, as Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and workers staged a protest against the Congress party. The protest was sparked by derogatory remarks allegedly made by a Congress leader against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s late mother, Heeraben Modi.
Hundreds of BJP workers gathered near Rajiv Bhawan, the Assam Congress headquarters, chanting slogans and demanding an apology. The protest led to a tense atmosphere, drawing heavy police deployment to prevent escalation.
Party leaders claimed the comments were not only disrespectful to Modi’s family but also an insult to Indian culture, which values respect for elders. The BJP has vowed to continue protests until strict action is taken against those responsible.
Accusations Intensify Political Rivalry in Assam
The incident has widened the political divide between BJP and Congress in Assam, where both parties are preparing for upcoming local body and state elections. Assam BJP president Bhabesh Kalita accused the Congress of crossing ethical boundaries.
“Attacking Prime Minister Modi politically is one thing, but insulting his late mother is unacceptable. We condemn this low-level politics,” Kalita told reporters. He alleged that Congress was resorting to “cheap tactics” to gain political traction.
Congress leaders, on the other hand, claimed the BJP was overhyping the incident for political mileage. Assam Congress chief Bhupen Kumar Borah denied that the comments were made officially by the party, stating that any such statement was the personal opinion of an individual and not the party line.
Police Deployment and Counter-Protests
As BJP supporters gathered outside Rajiv Bhawan, Congress workers organized a counter-protest, accusing BJP of using emotional sentiments to divert attention from core issues like unemployment and inflation. The heavy police presence ensured that the confrontation did not turn violent, but tensions were palpable.
Traffic movement in central Guwahati was severely affected for hours as protestors occupied key intersections. Authorities urged both parties to maintain peace, warning that law and order would not be compromised.
The Guwahati police later confirmed that several party workers from both sides were detained briefly to control the situation, though no injuries were reported.
BJP’s Call for Apology and Action
Senior BJP leaders, including state cabinet ministers, demanded that Congress issue a public apology. They also called on the Election Commission to take cognizance of such “unethical remarks.”
“Targeting the Prime Minister’s late mother shows Congress’s desperation,” said Assam Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who condemned the remarks in a post on X (formerly Twitter). He urged people to reject politics based on personal attacks and stand for dignity in public discourse.
Sarma emphasized that Assam’s political landscape should focus on development, investment, and welfare policies instead of indulging in personal insults.
Congress Attempts Damage Control
Facing growing criticism, Congress leaders distanced themselves from the statement. “Our party respects all families. Any remark made in poor taste is regrettable,” said Borah. He further accused the BJP of using emotional issues as a shield against criticism of governance.
Political analysts in Assam observed that such controversies often dominate headlines during pre-election periods. They suggested both parties should prioritize policy debates over personal remarks to restore faith in the democratic process.
Assam’s Political Climate Heats Up
This latest clash between BJP and Congress highlights the intensifying political battle in Assam. With elections on the horizon, both parties are making aggressive moves to mobilize their base.
Guwahati has emerged as a political hotspot, witnessing frequent rallies, protests, and counter-protests. Experts say such confrontations reflect the deep polarization of Indian politics, where personal attacks often overshadow policy discussions.
The BJP continues to dominate Assam’s political scene, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma consolidating support across regions. Congress, however, is working to regain lost ground, banking on issues like unemployment, flood management, and farmers’ welfare to attract voters.
Call for Civil Discourse
The controversy has sparked a broader debate about political ethics. Many citizens on social media condemned the derogatory remarks, calling for greater civility among leaders.
Assam’s political analysts have urged both parties to focus on development rather than indulging in personal feuds. “The people of Assam are tired of politics of insults. They want solutions,” said senior political commentator Anupam Saikia.
As the political drama unfolds, all eyes are now on whether Congress will issue a formal apology and how the BJP will leverage the controversy in its electoral campaigns.