Congress MP Rakibul Hussain and his personal security officers were violently assaulted by a group of masked men in Assam’s Nagaon district on Thursday afternoon while he was traveling on a scooter to attend a party meeting. The attackers, armed with cricket bats, chased Hussain and even attempted to snatch a weapon from one of his security officers. Two of his security personnel sustained injuries in the attack. Videos circulating on social media captured the shocking moment, fueling concerns over law and order in the state. The incident has sparked sharp criticism from opposition leaders, who accuse the ruling government of fostering an environment where political violence is met with impunity.
Hussain directly blamed the Assam government for the attack, alleging that the administration has failed to take action against such violent offenders. “These people have been given a free hand by the authorities. They believe they can take lives without facing consequences,” he said. His son, Tanzil Hussain, also condemned the assault, emphasizing the broader implications of such incidents. “My father is not just a political leader; he represents a constituency of 24 lakh people. If a sitting MP is not safe, what security do common citizens have? This government has failed in ensuring public safety,” he asserted. Following the attack, Congress workers staged a protest outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Golaghat, demanding immediate action against the perpetrators and greater security measures for opposition leaders.
Political leaders across party lines have condemned the attack. Leader of the Opposition in the Assam Assembly, Debabrata Saikia, called it a direct attack on democracy, criticizing the police for failing to prevent the assault despite prior intimation about Hussain’s visit. “The BJP always talks about a ‘Congress Mukt Bharat.’ Is this their way of achieving it—by intimidating political opponents? The government must ensure adequate security for anyone opposing its misrule. The Chief Minister has not even expressed regret over the incident,” Saikia remarked. AIUDF MLA and Party General Secretary Dr. Rafiqul Islam also voiced his concerns, demanding an impartial inquiry and strict action against those responsible. The attack on Hussain has intensified political tensions in Assam, with the opposition vowing to raise the issue in the legislative assembly and calling for accountability from the state government.
