Congress accuses Assam police of scaring and candidates ahead of Panchayat election

Guwahati: Congress party in Assam on Thursday accused state police of frightening its candidate ahead of the upcoming Panchayat election.

Senior Congressional leaders, including Assam Congress Committee (APCC) Chairman Bhupen Borah and Nagaon MP Pradyut Bordoloi, walked to the office of Harmeet Singh, the Director-General’s Office (DGP) in Ulubari, to raise concerns against Congress candidates and their families.

Once they were about to arrive at the DGP office, they were stopped by security personnel, and afterwards, Congress leaders held a sit-in protest outside the venue.
Bodoroy said he wrote to the DGP on April 9 detailing the incidents in areas such as Nagoren and Morigan, and the police allegedly took action as requested by the BJP.

“It has become a model – the newly elected BJP members have proposed FIRs to Congress staff, and local police, especially some over-zealous officials, put pressure on our candidates to evacuate the election,” he said.

Bodoroy said that despite the DGP’s assurance, no action has been taken. “It is shocking that an official we mentioned in the complaint continues to serve as a BJP agent. On Wednesday, he picked up one of our candidates at 3 a.m. based on the vague FIR proposed by an unknown person.” Bora said: “We have been warning the DGP that police are threatening candidates across the state. The police are not staying neutral, but running for the BJP, at the BAJP. DGP office. The Congressional Party has sought DGP intervention for smooth elections.