Himanta Biswa Sarma takes a dig at Rahul over temple entry restriction in Assam

Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took a swipe at Rahul Gandhi when asked why the Congress leader was not allowed to enter a temple in the state. Talking to reporters on January 22, the BJP leader equated Rahul to Ravan and said that it would be better to talk about Ram on this auspicious occasion.

"Why are you talking of Ravan? At least talk about Ram today? After 500 years, today is a good day to talk about Ram. Today at least let us not talk of Ravan," he said.

The Gandhi scion was earlier stopped from entering the Sri Sri Sankardeva Satra in Nagaon district and also from holding a meeting in the Morigaon district during his Bharat Jodo Nayay Yatra, which is currently passing through Assam.

"Will PM Modi now decide who will visit a temple and when?... We do not want to create any problems and simply pray at the temple," Gandhi told the police authorities and questioned why he was being stopped from visiting the Satra, reports PTI news agency.

Later, party MP Gaurav Gogoi and Batadrava MLA Sibamoni Bora proceeded to offer prayers, prompting Gandhi to attack the state government, saying: "This is strange as there is a law and order situation in the area but Gaurav Gogoi and all can go. Only Rahul Gandhi cannot go." The Congress alleged that Prime Minister Modi exerted pressure on the Assam government to prevent Gandhi from visiting the birthplace of the iconic saint and paying his obeisance.

Congress earlier claimed that its convoy had been attacked twice in the state.

(With inputs from PTI)