1. Congress claims the windscreen of Rahul Gandhi’s vehicle was targeted during the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Bengal.
2. The incident raises safety concerns for the Wayanad MP during the yatra in West Bengal’s Malda district.
3. Reported by Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, the Bengal unit chief.
Kolkata, Jan 31: During the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’s Bengal leg on Wednesday, the Congress party claimed that the windscreen of the vehicle carrying Congress MP Rahul Gandhi was targeted and smashed, sparking concerns over the safety of the Wayanad MP.
The incident occurred as the yatra entered West Bengal’s Malda district from Bihar’s Katihar on Wednesday morning, as reported by Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, the Bengal unit chief.
Although Gandhi remained unharmed, the rear windowpane of the vehicle was shattered in the alleged attack.
Upon reaching the scene, visuals showed Gandhi disembarking from the SUV to inspect the damaged windscreen.
The incident transpired while the MP was waving at enthusiastic crowds gathered along the road. Chowdhury speculated that someone from the crowd might have thrown a stone, emphasizing the need for police vigilance to prevent such incidents.
“This is a small incident, but something could have happened too,” Chowdhury added, expressing concern about the potential consequences of overlooking security matters.
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Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh commented on the incident, stating, “Our car windshield has been broken, but our yatra won’t be deterred, and the INDIA bloc won’t bow down.”
He highlighted the determination to continue with the yatra despite the challenges. Interestingly, Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was also scheduled to commence her ‘Jonosanjog Yatra’ at English Bazar in Malda on the same day, leading to heightened security measures in the two districts.
Rahul Gandhi resumed his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra with a roadshow in Bihar’s Katihar district before re-entering Bengal through Debipur, Ratua in Malda district.
The first phase of the yatra in Bengal concluded on Monday, and it is set to enter Murshidabad on February 1 before exiting the state the following day.
The security and safety concerns arising from the incident underscore the challenges faced by political figures during their public engagements.
