Guwahati, Assam, January 22, 2024: Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi was denied entry into the Batadrava Than, a shrine dedicated to Assamese saint Srimanta Sankardeva, on Monday. Gandhi was scheduled to visit the shrine as part of his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, a nationwide tour to highlight the Congress party's commitment to social justice.
According to reports, Gandhi was stopped by police at Haiboragaon, about 20 kilometers from the shrine. The police said that the decision was taken due to security concerns. However, Gandhi and his supporters alleged that the move was politically motivated.
Gandhi expressed his disappointment at being denied entry into the shrine. He said that he was simply trying to pay his respects to a revered Assamese saint. He also criticized the government for interfering in religious freedom
"Is it a crime to visit a temple in a democracy?" Gandhi asked. "Is it a crime to pay respects to a saint? This is not the India that I know."
The denial of entry to Gandhi has sparked a political controversy. The Congress party has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government of using the police to suppress dissent. The BJP has denied the allegations, saying that the decision was taken in the interest of law and order.
The incident has also raised questions about the freedom of religion in India. Some observers have expressed concern that the government is increasingly interfering in religious affairs.
