Assam: Gaurav Gogoi condemns detention of CJP activists in Guwahati
Assam Congress President Gaurav Gogoi calls the police detention of CJP activists in Guwahati illegal and unjustified.
Assam Congress President and Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, has launched a scathing attack on the state government following the police detention of Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) activists in Guwahati. Gogoi described the move as "completely unacceptable, unjustified, and illegal," marking a significant escalation in the political tension within the state.
Police Crackdown During Volunteer Meet
The controversy erupted when police authorities detained CJP member Ashutosh Ranka and several other activists in Guwahati. The detention occurred as the organization was preparing to host a Volunteer Meet. The CJP had previously announced plans to engage with the local community, including visits to schools and meetings with families to discuss critical issues regarding the education system.
Before the detention, spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka had highlighted the growing momentum of the movement, stating:
"The 'Cockroach Janata Party' movement is spreading across the country, and we have received tremendous support in the Northeast, especially in Assam."
Gogoi Questions BJP's Motives
Reacting sharply to the police action, Gaurav Gogoi questioned the underlying motivations of the BJP government in Assam. He suggested that the crackdown was a sign of political insecurity rather than law enforcement.
"Why is the BJP so scared of the youth? Is the government terrified because the youth have rejected the BJP's divisive politics of Hindu-Muslim polarisation?" Gogoi asked, accusing the ruling party of using repressive tactics to silence dissent.
Allegations of Suppressing Democracy
The Assam Congress has leveled serious allegations against the state administration, claiming that the government is attempting to stifle free expression to gain political advantage. According to the party, the current administration is resorting to authoritarianism to curb the voices of young citizens and secure votes through intimidation.
Gogoi concluded by reaffirming his commitment to the cause of civil liberties, stating that he would stand firmly with the youth of Assam against such "authoritarian tendencies" and that suppressing criticism is a violation of democratic norms that cannot be tolerated in a functional democracy.