Assam CM Fires Warning Shot at Rahul Gandhi – Here’s What’s Really Going On
Okay, let’s talk about what’s happening in Assam right now. Because honestly, it’s getting messy. CM Himanta Biswa Sarma just threw down the gauntlet at Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, accusing them of crossing lines in their speeches. And he didn’t mince words—straight up said there could be police action. That’s not just political drama, that’s a full-blown warning.
What Exactly Did Sarma Say?
So here’s the thing. Sarma claims Gandhi and Kharge’s recent comments had “criminal elements.” Now, he didn’t specify which parts—which, come on, makes you wonder. But he doubled down: “If needed, we won’t hesitate to take legal steps.” Strong words, especially right after Gandhi’s Chaygaon rally where he tore into BJP’s policies. Feels like a classic case of political tit-for-tat, doesn’t it?
Why Now? The Bigger Picture
Look, this isn’t new. Sarma used to be with Congress before jumping ship to BJP, and let’s just say he holds a grudge. Gandhi’s been calling out BJP’s “divisive politics” in Assam, and Sarma’s response? Straight to legal threats. Some say it’s just election season posturing—you know, fire up the base by painting Congress as the bad guys. Others think it’s personal. Either way, it’s working. Social media’s already exploding.
Can He Actually Do This? The Legal Angle
Here’s where it gets tricky. Sure, there are laws like Section 153A (stirring up trouble between groups) and 505 (spreading fake news that causes chaos). But proving a politician’s speech is criminal? Nearly impossible unless they’re outright yelling “go burn things down.” Arup Borbora, a constitutional lawyer, put it best: “Courts usually toss these cases unless there’s clear incitement.” But here’s the kicker—just the threat can shut people up. That’s the real power move.
Congress Fires Back – And Others Join In
Congress isn’t taking this lying down. Their spokesperson Pawan Khera tweeted something savage: “When BJP can’t debate ideas, they call the cops.” Ouch. Even Mamata Banerjee and Arvind Kejriwal jumped in, calling it an attack on free speech. Meanwhile, BJP supporters are flooding Twitter with #ArrestRahul. It’s a full-on social media war now.
What People Are Saying (And Memeing)
Oh man, the memes. There’s one comparing Sarma to a bulldozer—harsh but kinda accurate? Another frames Gandhi as some free speech martyr. #AssamVsRahul is trending, and news channels are having a field day. Sagarika Ghose called it “using laws as weapons,” while BJP fans argue everyone should be accountable. Honestly? Both sides have a point, but the noise is drowning out actual discussion.
This Isn’t Their First Rodeo
Remember 2021? Sarma sued Gandhi for “defaming Assamese culture.” That case went nowhere, but it set the tone. Since Sarma joined BJP in 2015, Congress has been losing ground in Assam fast. These clashes help BJP look tough on “anti-nationals”—it worked in UP and MP, why not here?
What Happens Next?
Real talk: An actual police case seems unlikely. But the threat keeps the story alive, which is probably the goal. If BJP pushes too hard, they risk looking like bullies. But Congress could spin this as “they’re scared of us.” Either way, Assam’s political weather forecast? Thunderstorms ahead of 2024.
Bottom line: This is less about laws and more about sending a message. Sarma wants Gandhi to think twice before speaking. Gandhi wants to paint BJP as anti-democratic. And we? We’re just here watching the fireworks.
Source: News18 Hindi – Nation
