Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's sit-in protest after being denied entry into 'Batadrava Than'

Digital Desk: Rahul Gandhi, on a visit to Assam as part of his 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra,' stirred controversy on Monday as he claimed he was denied entry to Batadrava Than, the birthplace of saint Srimanta Sankardeva, a revered social reformer in Assam. The Congress leader, scheduled to visit Bordowa Satra in Nagaon district, alleged denial despite holding permission.

In a video shared by news agency PTI, Rahul Gandhi questioned a security official about the sudden restriction, expressing frustration and stating, "I am being stopped from going to the temple. 

Earlier, there was permission to go, but today they are refusing. It seems that today only one person has the authority to go to the temple. I am here just to fold my hands in prayer."

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh commented on the situation, revealing the party's efforts to secure permission since January 11. Ramesh accused the state government of exerting pressure, noting a sudden change in permission from the temple management.

The Batadrava Than's management committee, in a statement, clarified that Rahul Gandhi's visit was scheduled after 3 pm due to the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya and various events organized outside the Than premises. However, this explanation did little to quell the political tensions.

On the eve of the Ram temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya, political temperatures soared in Assam. Congress alleged attacks on its leaders during the 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' by BJP supporters. Rahul Gandhi, heckled by a crowd chanting "Jai Shri Ram" and "Modi, Modi" slogans, asserted that his party was not afraid of the Prime Minister or the Assam Chief Minister.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma weighed in, suggesting that Rahul Gandhi should avoid visiting Batadrava on January 22, emphasizing the significance of the consecration ceremony. Sarma also announced the deployment of commandos along sensitive routes in minority-dominated areas during Rahul Gandhi's yatra, coinciding with the Ram temple ceremony.

As the political drama unfolded, the controversy surrounding Rahul Gandhi's denied entry to Batadrava Than highlighted the ongoing tensions between the Congress and the BJP in Assam. 

The clash over temple visits and allegations of attacks during the yatra underscored the polarized political landscape in the state. The situation remains tense, with both parties trading accusations and the political discourse in Assam remaining a focal point of national attention.