Assam CM urges Rahul Gandhi not to visit state icon Sankardeva’s birthplace on January 22

GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, has made an appeal to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to reconsider his scheduled visit to the birthplace of Srimanta Sankardeva at Batadrava on January 22. According to a PTI report, the Chief Minister emphasized that the planned visit coinciding with the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya might send the wrong message, creating an unnecessary competition between Lord Ram and the revered medieval Vaishnav saint.

Speaking at a press conference, Chief Minister Sarma expressed concerns about the potential misrepresentation of Assam and urged Rahul Gandhi to abstain from visiting Batadrava on the significant day. Sarma further revealed that commandos would be deployed along sensitive routes in minority-dominated areas to ensure security during Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra on January 22.

“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,” Chief Minister Sarma stated.

The plea comes amid preparations for the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, a momentous event in Indian history. Chief Minister Sarma stressed the need to avoid unnecessary controversies and maintain harmony, recognizing the significance of both Lord Ram and Srimanta Sankardeva in the cultural fabric of the state. The Chief Minister’s appeal underscores the delicate balance between religious sentiments and the political landscape.