Tension prevailed outside Rajiv Bhawan, the Assam Congress headquarters in Guwahati, on Saturday as supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress staged rival protests. Workers of the BJP’s Assam Pradesh Mahila Morcha marched towards the Congress office, demanding an apology from Rahul Gandhi over allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards a woman. The demonstration prompted police intervention after some protesters broke through barricades and reached the area outside the headquarters. Police detained several demonstrators as the situation grew tense, while Congress workers assembled at the main gate to stage a counter-protest.

The BJP women’s wing raised slogans targeting Rahul Gandhi and the Congress, accusing the party of failing to uphold its stated commitment to women’s rights. Congress supporters responded with slogans against the BJP, including “Vote Chor, Go Back”. The two groups exchanged accusations and continued raising slogans against each other, leading police personnel to intervene to prevent the confrontation from escalating. The protests brought political activity to the area around Rajiv Bhawan, with security personnel attempting to maintain order and keep the rival groups apart.

Purabee Roy, state general secretary of the Assam Pradesh Mahila Morcha, accused the Congress of inconsistency in its position on women’s safety and dignity. During her interaction with the media, Roy referred to allegations of sexual harassment against a Member of Parliament from Manipur. She claimed that the MP had been suspended on October 9 while the case remained pending and alleged that the parliamentarian was closely associated with Rahul Gandhi. These statements were made by the BJP representative during the protest, and the supplied report did not independently establish the allegations.

Also Read: Rahul Gandhi Meets Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Over Lunch in Chennai Ahead of Student Event

Roy and other demonstrators demanded action against the MP and accused the Congress of using women’s issues for political gain. She argued that the party’s public position on women’s rights was inconsistent with its response to the allegations raised by the protesters. Roy also criticised Rahul Gandhi, alleging that he had behaved inappropriately towards a woman constable, and called on him to apologise to women across the country. The demonstration featured slogans against both the Congress leadership and the party as protesters pressed for accountability over their claims.

Assam Cabinet minister Nilima Devi also joined the BJP protest and questioned Rahul Gandhi’s position on women’s safety. She accused the Congress of failing to uphold women’s dignity and challenged the party’s response to the issues raised by the demonstrators. Devi questioned why Rahul Gandhi, whom she said had spoken about protecting women, had remained silent on the matter. Her remarks added to the BJP’s criticism of the Congress during the demonstration, as party workers continued to demand an apology and action over the allegations.

The confrontation reflects the continuing political rivalry between the BJP and the Congress in Assam, with both parties using protests to challenge the other’s position. The BJP women’s wing sought to focus attention on allegations concerning Rahul Gandhi and a parliamentarian from Manipur, while Congress supporters used their counter-demonstration to criticise the BJP. Police intervened after protesters crossed barricades and the two groups began raising competing slogans outside Rajiv Bhawan. The supplied report did not specify whether any formal complaint had been filed over the allegations against Rahul Gandhi or provide further details about the detentions.

Also Read: Rahul Gandhi Claims President Sought Proof of Vote Theft Amid CEC Dispute