Assam Congress accuses state police of intimidation ahead of panchayat polls, stages protest in Guwahati

The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) on Thursday, April 17 launched a massive protest march to the office of the Director General of Police (DGP) in Guwahati, alleging widespread police misconduct and harassment of its candidates in the lead-up to the state’s Panchayat elections.

Led by Assam Congress President Bhupen Borah and Lok Sabha MP Pradyut Bordoloi, the protestors demanded transparency and accountability from the state police force, claiming that officers were acting under political duress from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

“We are here to ask a fundamental question—whether the Assam Police is upholding the Constitution or serving the political interests of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma,”Bhupen  Borah said. “If law enforcement acts as an extension of our political rivals, how can free and fair elections be possible? What becomes of democracy?”

The APCC alleged that its candidates across the state have been subjected to systematic threats and intimidation. "Our candidates are raising their voices from every corner of Assam. They are being harassed, threatened, and targeted. We will not back down until justice prevails,” Borah added further.

Adding to the allegations, Pradesh Mahila Congress president Mira Borthakur, during a live session on Facebook, accused the Chief Minister of orchestrating a campaign to undermine the electoral process. “By weaponizing the police, administration, and even the State Election Commission, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma is sabotaging democracy and stifling political opposition,” Borthakur said.

The situation further escalated following the reported detention of Congress candidate Barnali Devi and her husband Gobin Nath by Kampur Police. The incident took place in the 2 No. Kathiatoli Zilla Parishad constituency under the Barhampur Assembly segment. The reasons for the detention remain undisclosed, though sources confirm that an interrogation is ongoing at the local police station.

Condemning the incident, the Congress party described the detention as a deliberate attempt to suppress dissent and obstruct a fair electoral process.