Rahul Gandhi an associate of George Soros, says Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma
Sarma's remarks came a day after Rahul Gandhi, during a rally in Guwahati, alleged that the Assam CM was the "most corrupt" in the country and vowed to send him to jail once the Congress returned to power in the northeastern state.
New Delhi: Launching a sharp counterattack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday accused the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha of being closely associated with controversial US billionaire George Soros.
Sarma's remarks came a day after Rahul Gandhi, during a rally in Guwahati, alleged that the Assam CM was the "most corrupt" in the country and vowed to send him to jail once the Congress returned to power in the northeastern state.
"He thinks he’s a king, but he won't remain in power for long. He is the most corrupt CM in India — and very soon, Congress's lions will send him to jail," Gandhi declared during the rally. "The fear is visible in his eyes... because neither Modi nor Shah will be able to save him now."
Sarma accuses Gandhi of inciting unrest
In response, Sarma dismissed the accusations and accused Gandhi of inciting unrest. "Rahul Gandhi has always encouraged encroachers and land jihadis to take over government and forest land," he said, referencing the Congress leader's remarks about rehabilitating displaced people.
"Today morning, during an eviction drive in the Paikan Reserve Forest in Goalpara district, people attacked police personnel with stones and weapons. Such behaviour stems directly from the encouragement given by leaders like Rahul Gandhi," the chief minister alleged.
The eviction drive turned violent, leaving 21 police personnel injured, and resulting in the death of one encroacher in police firing. Two others sustained injuries and were hospitalised. According to reports, forest guards and police were targeted when they attempted to cordon off the encroached forest area.
'Many jails waiting for Gandhis'
A case has been filed in connection with the violence, Sarma confirmed.
"We will examine who incited this violence. Police will analyse the speeches made by Rahul Gandhi during his Guwahati rally," he said. "If it is found that their words instigated violence, then action will be taken against both Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge."
Sarma further intensified his attack by referring to the Enforcement Directorate's seizure of properties linked to Robert Vadra, son-in-law of Sonia Gandhi. "Many jails are waiting for the Gandhis," he added.
The chief minister also took a dig at the Congress party's campaign in the state, saying: "In the Assam elections, Congress has no agenda related to development or culture. Their only goal is somehow returning to power and sending me to jail."