HT Digital
Friday, October 25: In Samaguri, Assam, a political rally took a chaotic turn when a clash erupted between Congress and BJP supporters during a nomination rally for Tanzil Hussain, son of Congress MP Rakibul Hussain, on October 24. What began as a rally to showcase support for Tanzil’s candidacy swiftly spiraled into disorder as tensions flared between the two groups. Tanzil Hussain, who is contesting the Samaguri seat in the upcoming by-elections, had been the focus of the rally, with Congress workers gathering to back his bid for what could make him one of Assam’s youngest MLAs.
The incident intensified when Rakibul Hussain, Congress MP and father of Tanzil, arrived at the rally to address the crowd. As he stepped out of his vehicle, the crowd’s energy shifted abruptly, with supporters from both Congress and BJP congregating around him. As tensions rose, members from each group moved toward each other, with verbal exchanges quickly escalating. Shouting and shoving ensued, drawing in more supporters from both sides, and police officers at the scene were eventually forced to intervene to prevent the situation from worsening.
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Law enforcement responded swiftly, stepping in to control the heated crowd and working to separate supporters from each party. The situation was defused, but not before it had left a palpable tension among attendees, many of whom had gathered to witness a show of strength for Tanzil Hussain. The incident underscored the intense atmosphere surrounding the by-elections, with each party vying for influence in key constituencies.
Tanzil Hussain’s nomination from Samaguri has been met with both anticipation and scrutiny, as he seeks to step into a role previously held by his father. Following the Indian National Congress’s (INC) announcement of their by-election candidates on October 20, Tanzil was nominated to represent Samaguri, a seat his father had once held. If successful, the younger Hussain could be among the youngest legislators in Assam’s assembly, marking a generational shift within the constituency’s political landscape. Tanzil’s campaign reflects a blend of continuity and fresh perspectives, with the candidate vowing to address local issues with renewed energy.
Alongside Tanzil Hussain, the INC has announced a slate of candidates for the by-elections in Assam, covering five constituencies that were vacated following the Lok Sabha elections. Dhrubajyoti Purakayastha was nominated for the Dholai (SC) constituency, Sanjib Warle for Sidli (ST), Brajenjit Sinha for Bongaigaon, and Tanzil Hussain for Samaguri. The by-elections, scheduled for November 13, have intensified the political climate as parties compete to fill the seats left vacant and to solidify their influence in these regions.
The competition is particularly significant for the INC, which aims to maintain its foothold in Assam amid shifting political dynamics. For the Congress party, retaining these seats could represent a stabilization in a region where they have long been a dominant force, while for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), gaining ground in these by-elections is essential for furthering their presence in Assam’s political arena.
The rally in Samaguri reflects the high-stakes atmosphere that surrounds these by-elections. With significant focus on Samaguri and Tanzil Hussain’s candidacy, the gathering was seen as an important platform to communicate the Congress party’s message to the people. However, the confrontation between supporters underscored the volatile nature of the electoral landscape in Assam, where rivalries and tensions often emerge in public displays of support. Local officials and party representatives from both sides have urged supporters to exercise restraint in the lead-up to the elections, recognizing that such incidents could affect public sentiment.
In an election marked by intense competition and symbolic significance, the Samaguri incident serves as a reminder of the fervor underlying Assam’s political landscape. As Tanzil Hussain vies to continue his father’s legacy while forging his own path, he faces both support and opposition, emblematic of the broader contest between the INC and BJP in the state.
With just weeks remaining until the November 13 by-elections, all eyes are on Samaguri and the other constituencies where Congress and BJP candidates will compete. For Congress, the by-elections represent an opportunity to rally their base and retain traditional strongholds, while for the BJP, the elections offer a chance to make further inroads into Assam’s political scene. As the parties prepare for the final stretch of the campaign, both are focusing on reaching voters and promoting their platforms amid heightened scrutiny.
The Tinsukia rally incident, meanwhile, has prompted both local officials and party leaders to call for calm and order as campaigning continues. Police have increased security measures in sensitive areas, and both parties have stressed the importance of a peaceful electoral process, emphasizing that voters, not clashes, should decide the outcome in these contested constituencies.
