Nagaon: The Congress party organized a massive torchlight procession in Nagaon on Friday. Led by Gaurav Gogoi, the party successfully completed a day-long series of programs despite facing significant hurdles from BJP workers (Gaurav Gogoi Torchlight Procession) .
The Journey Begins: Confrontation at Batadrava
The day’s events were part of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee’s (APCC) “Time for Change: Save Land, Save Community” campaign. The schedule began early in the morning when the Congress delegation, headed by Gaurav Gogoi, arrived at Batadrava Than, the sacred birthplace of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva. Upon their arrival, a group of BJP workers attempted to stall the visit, chanting “Go Back” slogans aimed at Gogoi. However, the Congress leader pushed through the opposition to offer prayers at the shrine and officially kick off the campaign.
Investigation into Land Allegations
As the day progressed, the delegation traveled to the Kaliabor and Kanchunjuri areas. The primary objective of this leg of the journey was to investigate property allegedly owned by the family of Chief Minister Dr. Himant Biswa Sarma. Although BJP supporters attempted to block their path at several locations along the route, the Congress team successfully visited multiple sites before reaching Nagaon town in the evening.
Defying Police Barriers in Nagaon
The tension culminated in the evening at the Nagaon Rajiv Bhawan. As the Congress party prepared to launch their torchlight procession (mashaal juloos), the police attempted to intercept and stop the march. Defying these barriers, the leaders and workers proceeded through the streets.
During the procession, Gaurav Gogoi leveled serious allegations against the Chief Minister’s family, claiming they possess over 100 bighas of land in Nagaon alone. He said, “At a time when the Koch Rajbongshi community and the tea tribes are struggling for land rights, the Chief Minister’s family members have occupied land and opened resorts. This time, the people have united and come out against these injustices.”
Internal Unity and Leadership Presence
Addressing rumors recently mentioned by the Chief Minister regarding a rift between himself and Bhupen Borah, Gaurav Gogoi—alongside Borah—clarified that there is no internal conflict within the party.
The evening’s massive procession saw a significant gathering of leadership, including:
Jitendra Singh (Central Leader)
Pradyut Bordoloi (MP)
Rakibul Hussain (MP)
Debabrata Saikia (Leader of the Opposition)
Emdadullah Ahmed (General Secretary, APCC Minority Cell)
Numerous other MLAs and senior party officials also participated in the demonstration, marking a show of strength for the opposition in the region.
A Journey of Faith Amidst Political Friction
Earlier today, Gaurav Gogoi visited the sacred Bhairab Kunda in Tezpur to seek spiritual blessings. However, the visit was not without its hurdles. On his way to the site, his convoy faced significant resistance from a group of BJP supporters who attempted to block his path.
Despite the confrontation and the obstacles placed before them, Gogoi and his team managed to push through the disruption and successfully reach the shrine. In Tezpur as well, Gaurav Gogoi strongly criticised the BJP and the Chief Minister.
Tense Situation in Batadrava Over Gaurav Gogoi’s Visit