Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) President Bhupen Borah has condemned the attack on Tanzil Hussain, Indian National Congress (INC) candidate from Samaguri constituency, calling it an assault on democratic values and peace in Assam. Borah labeled the incident “a direct attack on democracy,” stressing its impact on the state’s political environment.
The attack occurred on November 9 during a BJP rally in Samaguri, led by Barhampur MLA Jitu Goswami and BJP leader Suresh Borah, which was disrupted by gunfire. Several participants were injured, and concerns over election security have risen sharply. Senior police officials have launched an investigation into the incident.
Jitu Goswami recounted that their rally was peaceful until stones were allegedly thrown from the residence of former Congress councillor Ismail Hussain, escalating to gunfire. Goswami’s vehicle was targeted, but his PSO intervened to protect him. “I have urged the police to arrest those responsible. Several colleagues were hurt, one critically,” he reported.
However, Congress leader Rakibul Hussain countered, accusing BJP members of instigating the violence. He asserted that individuals with criminal histories among BJP ranks approached Ismail’s home, firing shots and injuring him before police detained him. Hussain expressed doubts about law enforcement’s impartiality, noting recent police transfers and urging scrutiny of potential political influences.