Guwahati: As Rahul Gandhi passionately advocates for Nyay (justice) for the citizens of the country during his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, a stark contrast unfolds within the very fabric of his party. While Gandhi speaks of fairness for the nation, young women within the Congress party, notably Angkita Dutta, daughter of the former state president, stand in protest, seeking justice for the alleged atrocities they faced within the party itself. A disconcerting irony emerges as Dutta, expelled from the party’s primary membership for six years, claims denial of justice from Rahul Gandhi himself, shedding light on a disquieting discord within the party’s commitment to justice and equality.
As Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra approaches Assam, the journey takes an unexpected turn with former Assam Youth Congress leader Angkita Dutta shedding light on what she perceives as a grave injustice within the party, particularly towards women leaders. Dutta, who once led the Assam Youth Congress, has been expelled from the primary membership for six years over allegations of “anti-party activities.”
The situation took a dramatic turn when Dutta filed a complaint in 2023 against All India Youth Congress President Srinivas BV, accusing him of making sexist comments and physically harassing her. Speaking in Amguri, Dutta expressed hope for justice, stating, “I spoke against Srinivas BV, who mentally disturbed me, and when I did not receive an appropriate answer, I was expelled from the party. Today, I believe I will get justice.”
Amguri witnessed a gathering of scores of Congress grassroots-level workers in support of Angkita Dutta, emphasising the significance of her grievances. Her disciplinary action stemmed from public accusations against Srinivas BV, whom she labeled as “sexist and chauvinistic.”
However, Dutta’s concerns extend beyond Srinivas BV to the higher echelons of the party leadership. Despite informing Rahul Gandhi about the harassment and gender discrimination she faced, Dutta claims that no inquiry was initiated. Her allegations include months of torment, with Srinivas BV allegedly making sexist remarks, using derogatory language, and threatening dire consequences for her complaints.
The conflict escalated during a party plenary session in Raipur in February when Dutta claims she was heckled and threatened by the accused, reaching a boiling point. Subsequently, Dutta filed a complaint at the Dispur police station, seeking accountability for Srinivas BV’s actions.
Angkita Dutta’s deep-rooted connection to the Congress party, spanning four generations of allegiance, adds weight to her quest for justice. Despite her expulsion, Dutta has made it clear that she is not considering joining any other political faction, opting to await justice.
As part of her pursuit of fairness, Angkita Dutta staged a protest in Amguri on January 18, demanding that Rahul Gandhi address her concerns and take appropriate action. The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, intended to unite the nation, now finds itself entangled in the quest for justice and accountability, reflecting the urgency for addressing internal issues concerning the treatment of women within the Congress party in Assam.
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