Assam Congress president and Jorhat Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi has strongly condemned the reported desecration of festive items and religious symbols at a school in Nalbari district. In a statement issued today, he said such acts have no place in a peaceful society and must be dealt with firmly.
Gogoi alleged that the MLA from the area, who is also a minister in the state government, was linked to what he described as large-scale corruption in the Jal Jeevan Mission scheme. He further claimed that the minister is a close associate of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Gogoi said the recent state-wide Congress-led protests over the alleged Jal Jeevan Mission scam had weakened the minister’s standing within the ruling BJP. He claimed that the minister was now depending on organisations such as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal to regain political influence. 
Gogoi said that fraternity and harmony are core values of the Indian Constitution. He added that if the Congress comes to power in Assam next year, the party will introduce a strict law to punish anyone involved in the desecration of religious places, rituals or symbols. He said the proposed law would apply equally to all religions, including Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Jainism and Sikhism.
The Congress MP said that Assam must move towards peace, respect and mutual trust among communities, and avoid actions that create division or fear among people.
