Assam BJP declares unofficial ban on Gaurav Gogoi in Dhubri over CM convoy attack row

The Bharatiya Janata Party has imposed an unofficial ban on Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi entering Dhubri district, following allegations that a water bottle was hurled at Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's convoy.

 

Hundreds of BJP workers gathered at Punch More in Dhubri on Tuesday, demanding a public apology from Gogoi for what they called a "shameful incident" that undermined the dignity of the state's constitutional head.

 

Assam Cabinet Minister Ranjit Kumar Dass, who led the demonstration, issued a stark ultimatum to the Congress leader. "Until and unless Gaurav Gogoi apologises publicly for this shameful incident, the BJP in Dhubri will not allow him to enter the district," Dass told the cheering crowd.

 

The protest erupted after reports emerged that someone had thrown a water bottle at the Chief Minister's convoy during a recent visit. While the exact circumstances remain unclear, BJP leaders have squarely blamed Gogoi for the incident, accusing him of fostering an atmosphere of political hostility.

 

Protesters chanted slogans including "Down with Gaurav Gogoi" and "Congress's goondaism won't work" as they gathered under heavy security arrangements. The demonstration remained peaceful but reflected the growing tensions between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress in the state.

 

Dass characterised the incident as more than just a personal affront to Sarma. "This is an insult not just to the Chief Minister but to the entire democratic ethos of Assam," he declared, framing the issue as a broader attack on institutional respect.

 

The BJP's district leadership warned that Tuesday's protest marked only the beginning of their campaign. Party officials indicated they would organise additional demonstrations if their demands for an apology go unmet, signalling a potential escalation in political tensions across the region.

Opposition parties have frequently criticised the BJP government's handling of various issues, but the water bottle incident has provided the ruling party with ammunition to portray Congress as encouraging what they term "political hooliganism."

 

Security officials maintained a strong presence throughout the protest to prevent any untoward incidents. The demonstration concluded without violence, though party leaders vowed to continue their campaign for what they called accountability and respect in political discourse.