Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday, 22 September claimed that the violence that erupted during an election campaign rally in the Samaguri locality ahead of the Nagaon bypoll was the result of a factional clash within the Congress, and called on the party's state leadership to address its internal differences. The incident, which occurred a day earlier in the Barma area of Samaguri, drew sharp political reactions from both sides.

What Happened During the Campaign

A Congress campaign convoy carrying senior leaders — including Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaurav Gogoi and former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel — was allegedly attacked with stones while en route to an election meeting in Samaguri. According to Congress, black flags were waved and 'Go Back' slogans were raised before stones were hurled at the vehicles. A police complaint was subsequently filed.

Sarma's Claim: A Congress Internal Feud

'At its core, this was a clash between rival factions within the Congress itself,' Sarma said. He framed his assessment in the political context of the Samaguri Assembly constituency, which is represented by Tanzil Hussain, son of senior Congress leader and Dhubri Lok Sabha MP Rakibul Hussain. Sarma cited previous Assembly election data, noting that Congress had secured 1,45,212 votes in Samaguri against 36,902 votes polled by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) — a lopsided margin that, he argued, points to Congress's own dominance and internal tensions in the seat.

The Chief Minister urged the Congress leadership to take ownership of its divisions. 'The Congress state leadership must take ownership of its internal differences and rein in its factions instead of conveniently attempting to shift the blame elsewhere,' he said. He also cautioned against political rivalries spilling into public disorder, saying, 'Political rivalries within a party should never be allowed to spill onto the streets and disturb the peace and harmony of society at large.'

Congress Counters: BJP Supporters Responsible

Congress leaders have firmly rejected Sarma's characterisation. The party maintains that BJP supporters were behind the stone-pelting, alleging that the attack was premeditated and targeted its convoy. Senior Congress figures, including those present in the convoy, were on their way to campaign in support of the party's candidate Sibamoni Bora, who has been fielded for the upcoming bypoll.

Background: The Nagaon Bypoll

The Nagaon Lok Sabha by-election is scheduled for 6 October. The seat has drawn significant political attention, with both the BJP and Congress deploying senior leadership for campaigning. Notably, the Samaguri segment — nested within the Nagaon constituency — has historically been a Congress stronghold, which may partly explain the intensity of factional dynamics in the area. The circumstances surrounding the confrontation and the specific attribution of responsibility remain under investigation, according to police.

What Happens Next

With polling less than two weeks away, the incident is likely to sharpen the political temperature in the constituency. Both parties are expected to intensify campaigning as the 6 October vote approaches, and the outcome of the police investigation into the alleged stone-pelting could become a flashpoint in the final stretch.