The Assam government declined permission for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s Yatra to traverse through key roads in Guwahati as it re-entered Assam on Tuesday following its journey through Meghalaya.

The decision follows a tense exchange between the Assam Chief Minister and Congress leaders, who accused him of impeding the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.

The state administration argued that since it is a working day in Guwahati, allowing the yatra on major city roads could result in traffic congestion. Consequently, the rally has been directed to take the national highway route as it progresses towards lower Assam, specifically the National Highway 27 encircling the city.

This development follows a dramatic incident near the shrine of 15th-century social reformer Srimanta Sankardeva in Assam. Gandhi had planned to visit the birthplace of the Vaishnav saint near Guwahati yesterday. However, Chief Minister Sarma urged him not to visit the shrine before the Ram Mandir ‘pran pratistha’ ceremony in Ayodhya.

The shrine’s managing committee also declared that Gandhi would not be allowed to enter before 3 pm. Gandhi and his associates were halted on their way to the shrine, leading to a sit-in protest at the roadblock site. However, Party MP Gaurav Gogoi and Batadrava MLA Sibamoni Bora proceeded to the shrine and offered prayers.

Later, speaking to the media, Gandhi expressed his belief in Sankardeva’s philosophy and emphasised the importance of bringing people together without spreading hatred. He lamented the denial of entry to the shrine and mentioned the selective restriction, stating,”Gaurav Gogoi and all can go, but only Rahul Gandhi cannot go. I don’t know, there may be some reason, but I will go to Batadrava when I get an opportunity.”

Subsequently, the Congress yatra has been prohibited from entering Guwahati through city roads and is now directed to take the National Highway 27, bypassing Guwahati.

The Congress alleged that the Himanta Biswa Sarma government is intentionally obstructing the yatra, citing incidents of slogans raised by a group of workers during the yatra passage.