Assam Police Confiscates Congress 'Chargesheet' Alleging Government Failures
In a significant pre-election development, police in Guwahati seized a large quantity of printed materials termed a "chargesheet" by the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC). The documents, which criticize the BJP-led government's policies as "anti-people," were intercepted during a routine patrol, leading to the arrest of four Congress workers.
Midnight Seizure and Arrests in Guwahati
Acting on information received at the Dispur police station around 12:30 AM on Monday, officers responded to an altercation in a Rukminigaon housing society over a truck's entry. Upon arrival, police managed to control the situation and conducted a search of the vehicle. They discovered approximately 10 lakh printed leaflets containing allegations against Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, intended for storage and later distribution ahead of the upcoming assembly election.
DCP-East, Guwahati, Tabu Ram Pegu, stated that the material was deemed provocative and sensitive, given the proximity to elections. "Considering law and order ramifications, a case was registered, and an investigation has begun," Pegu explained. The four individuals detained—Rekibul Haque, Jaynal Abedin, Akshay Kumar Bordoloi, and Pranjit Pator—were produced in a local court. Police are now working to identify the printers, financiers, and distribution plans behind the documents.
Congress Condemns Seizure as Authoritarian Move
The APCC strongly condemned the police action, asserting that the "chargesheet" highlights alleged corruption involving CM Himanta Biswa Sarma. Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi accused the BJP and state government of operating an authoritarian regime, attempting to block public access to criticisms. "Voters will respond in 2026," Gogoi warned, emphasizing the democratic right to disseminate political information.
At a press conference in New Delhi, Gogoi questioned the chief minister's resolve, saying, "Himanta Biswa Sarma projects himself as brave, yet he is intimidated by a few pamphlets, leading to their confiscation. The BJP failed to fulfil promises, and this chargesheet detailing those failures was seized. Is this true strength?"
Legal and Political Repercussions Unfold
Following the incident, Assam Mahila Congress president Mira Borthakur and state Congress media department head Bedabrata Bora visited Dispur police station to seek details on the seizure. Borthakur clarified that the "chargesheet" was officially released at a press conference attended by senior leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi, APCC president Gaurav Gogoi, and MP Pradyut Bordoloi. She argued that since election notifications have not yet been issued, any objections should come from the Election Commission of India, which has not taken suo motu action.
Borthakur announced that Congress plans to pursue legal action regarding the detention of the youths and the seizure of the documents. The party maintains that the materials are a legitimate part of political discourse, aimed at informing voters about governance issues in Assam.
This incident underscores the escalating tensions between political factions in Assam as election preparations intensify, with both sides positioning themselves on issues of free speech, governance accountability, and electoral integrity.
