Rahul Gandhi barred from visiting Assam Temple, questions PM Modi

“Will PM Modi now decide who visits a temple and when?” questioned Gandhi.

High drama unfolded in Assam’s Haiboragaon on Monday as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was barred by authorities from visiting the famed Shri Shri Sankardev Satra temple, prompting him and other party members to stage a sit-in protest.

Gandhi was scheduled to visit the iconic temple prior to kicking off his high-profile Bharat Jodo Yatra unity march in the state. However, he was intercepted by police near Haiboragaon, located about 20 km from the temple, and denied further access along with other Congress leaders and media.

In response, female Congress politicians sat down in protest of Gandhi being prevented from entering the temple, with Gandhi himself later joining the demonstration. “Will PM Modi now decide who visits a temple and when?” questioned Gandhi.

Authorities stated Gandhi would only be granted permission to visit the temple at 3 PM. The denial of access led to accusations that the prime minister and Assam chief minister were barring prayers at the temple for political reasons.

The incident sparked high security and road blockades around the temple as Congress furiously condemned the barriers to Gandhi’s planned visit.