A candidate from the opposition Congress Party for next month’s assembly elections in Assam was attacked by unknown assailants on Monday, the party confirmed.
Sunil Kumar Chhetri, Congress candidate for Nadwar seat, was campaigning in his constituency on Monday evening when he and a few other party workers were attacked by some people.
A video of the incident, which went viral, shows a number of people carrying sticks hitting Chhetri near the side of the road, causing him to fall to the ground. HT cannot independently verify the authenticity of the video.
Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi condemned the attack on Chhetri, which took place in the Nabam Bypass area of the constituency, and demanded the immediate arrest of the culprits.
Gogoi blamed the ruling BJP workers for the attack and wished a speedy recovery to the candidate who has been admitted to Tezpur Medical College for treatment.
Read also | $25 lakh health cover and land rights: Karg reveals Assam Congress statementcash assistance, $25 lakh health cover and land rights: Karg reveals Assam Congress manifesto
“We condemn the BJP for attacking Chhetri who is a strong representative of the Gorkha community and former president of the All Assam Gorkha Students Union and urge the government to provide adequate security to our candidate and take action against those involved,” he said.
A few other people, including Congress spokesperson Rupa Kalita, were also injured in the attack and are undergoing treatment at Tezpur Medical College, the Congress said.
Padma Hazarika, the sitting BJP MLA from the seat, refuted Congress’ allegations of involvement of saffron party workers. “If they can prove that BJP workers were behind the attack, I will retire from active politics,” he said, suggesting that the incident may have been staged to get voters’ sympathy.
Read also | Al-Zabin worker: Congress promises justice; ‘Don’t politicize’ says Assam CM
The Bharatiya Gorkha Parisang (BGP) expressed outrage over the incident and stated that it was an assault on democratic values and principles.
His grassroots outreach and public engagement have generated great enthusiasm among voters, reflecting a growing desire for change and inclusive leadership.
“The attack on a popular candidate raises serious concerns about the integrity of democratic processes. Such incidents pose a serious threat to free and fair elections,” BGP Secretary General Nanda Kirati Dewan said.
