Hindutva group hurls petrol bombs at Muslim candidate’s house in Assam
BJP’s Amit Malviya calls Congress 'new Muslim League'
Guwahati: A Hindutva group attacked the residence of a Congress candidate in BJP-ruled Assam with petrol bombs, raising concerns over poll-related tensions.
According to Kashmir Media Service, six petrol bombs were hurled at the house of Raton Engti, Congress nominee from Bokajan in Diphu, on May 5. None exploded, and no injuries or damage were reported.
Separately, Police officer Sharif Hossain Kazi was critically injured after assailants opened fire on a police team in Assam’s Lakhipur. He is in critical condition at Silchar Medical College.
Data shows Congress and allies fielded minority Muslim candidates in Assam and Kerala with an over 80% strike rate.
In Assam, Congress won 19 seats — 18 Muslims and one non-Muslim. Overall, 18 of 20 Muslim candidates fielded by Congress won, while only one of 79 non-Muslims did. BJP’s Amit Malviya called Congress the “new Muslim League.” Congress’ Supriya Shrinate responded that of 664 Congress MLAs nationwide, 520 (78%) are Hindus and 80 (12%) are Muslims. BJP secured 82 seats in the 126-member Assam Assembly, indicating Hindu consolidation, while Muslims appeared to consolidate behind Congress. In Kerala, 35 Muslim MLAs were elected, 30 from the Congress-led UDF.
