New Delhi, 22 September (H.S.): The Congress has condemned the alleged attack on its leaders in Assam's Nagaon district and urged the Election Commission to order an independent investigation into the incident. The party has also sought the suspension of officials found negligent in the discharge of their duties, action against all those allegedly involved in the attack, and the public release of the findings of the investigation.

Congress General Secretary Dr. Nasir Hussain, addressing a press conference here on Monday, alleged that masked men attacked Congress leaders during an election campaign in Nagaon. Describing the incident as an attempt to intimidate opposition leaders and workers, he said such incidents were intended to create an atmosphere of fear during elections and undermine the democratic process.

He said former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaurav Gogoi and several other leaders were present during the incident. Hussain claimed that the attackers were carrying black flags and were armed with iron rods and other weapons.

He said the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee had already alerted the administration about the possibility of a threat, but despite this, adequate precautionary measures were not taken to prevent violence. He demanded action against officials found negligent in the discharge of their duties.

The Congress general secretary also questioned the role of the Election Commission. He alleged that no action had been taken by the Commission despite the alleged attack on opposition leaders. He urged the Election Commission not to discriminate against opposition parties and to order an independent investigation into the incident.

Hussain also claimed that two journalists were allegedly assaulted during the incident. The journalists subsequently staged a protest, which was called off after the police apologised to them, he said.

He alleged that similar incidents had occurred in the past as well, with masked individuals allegedly being used to create an atmosphere of violence and fear. He further alleged that when the incumbent government feels politically vulnerable during elections and anticipates defeat, it resorts to violence and intimidation. According to him, the alleged objective is to create fear among opposition workers and voters and discourage them from participating in the electoral process.

Hussain also alleged collusion between the Central Government and the Election Commission. Referring to disputes concerning the election symbols of the Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party and Trinamool Congress, he alleged that opposition parties were being targeted. He also referred to the arrest of a Congress candidate in West Bengal and claimed that action had been taken against the candidate in connection with an old case.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar