On January 24, 2024, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma made a controversial statement claiming that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi would be arrested after the Lok Sabha elections. This statement has sparked debate and criticism across the Indian political spectrum.
Background of the case
The Assam government had registered an FIR against Rahul Gandhi in December 2023 for allegedly making inflammatory remarks during a public rally in the state. The FIR accused Gandhi of inciting violence and disturbing communal harmony. Gandhi has denied the allegations and called the FIR politically motivated.
Sarma's statement
In a recent interview, Sarma said that the investigation into the FIR against Gandhi is ongoing and that he will be arrested after the Lok Sabha elections. Sarma justified his statement by saying that the Assam government does not want to disturb the election process by taking any action against Gandhi before the polls.
Reactions to Sarma's statement
Sarma's statement has been met with strong reactions from the Congress party and other opposition groups. The Congress party has accused Sarma of using the police and judiciary for political vendetta. They have also questioned the timing of Sarma's statement, which comes just a few months before the Lok Sabha elections.
Other opposition groups have also criticized Sarma's statement, calling it an abuse of power. They have expressed concern that Sarma is trying to intimidate the opposition and silence dissent.
The BJP, on the other hand, has defended Sarma's statement. They have said that the Assam government is simply following the law and that Gandhi will be arrested if he is found guilty.
Legal implications of Sarma's statement
Sarma's statement has raised questions about the legal implications of his words. Some legal experts have said that Sarma's statement could be seen as contempt of court, as it could prejudice the ongoing investigation into the FIR against Gandhi. Others have said that Sarma's statement could be seen as an attempt to influence the outcome of the Lok Sabha elections.
It is still unclear what legal action, if any, will be taken against Sarma for his statement. However, it is certain that his words have added to the already tense political atmosphere in India.
