Rahul Gandhi Denies Entry Into Assam Shrine

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday morning was stopped from visiting Assam”s Batadrava Than, a holy pilgrimage site. The shrine is the birth place of saint Srimanta Sankardeva, a social reformer of Assam. Rahul Gandhi is currently undertaking the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in the state.

In the video shared by PTI, Congress MP is seen asking a security officer the reason behind he has been not allowed inside. “What is the issue brother? Can I go and see the barricades? What mistake I have done that I am not allowed inside the temple?” PTI quotes as he is saying.

VIDEO | “What is the issue brother? Can I go and see the barricades? What mistake I have done that I am not allowed inside the temple?” Congress leader @RahulGandhi tells a security official as he is stopped from visiting Assam”s Batadrava Than, the birthplace of saint Srimanta… pic.twitter.com/WAK3ryrAVt

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 22, 2024

Earlier on Sunday, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma asked Rahul Gandhi not to visit the Batadrava Than on January 22 since it coincide with inauguration of Ram Temple in Ayodhya. “We will request Rahul Gandhi not to visit Batadrava on Monday during the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple as it will reflect Assam in the wrong light,” Hindustan Times quotes as Chief Minister is saying. He then added that as there can be no competition between Lord Ram and the medieval-age Vaishnav saint, Chief Minister said that Congress leader can visit the monastery after the consecration ceremony is over; “unnecessary competition, which would be sad for Assam”, he said.

Similarly, as per the ANI reports, management committee of the shrine has also urged Rahul Gandhi to visit the shrine after 3 PM on Monday, citing reasons of rise in visitors due to Ram Temple inauguration in Ayodhya.

Srimanta Sankardev was a saint, scholar, playwright, social and religious reformer and revered figure in the in the cultural and religious history of Assam.

Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi”s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra will begin its ninth day Monday from Assam”s Bordua.