Attack on Himanta: Sonowal asks Mamata to act tough

Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Tuesday asked his Bengal counterpart Mamta Banerjee to act tough against those involved in the alleged attack on the convoy of the state finance minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, during an election rally.

"This is not only condemnable but also a disturbing sign for democracy. I demand the Bengal chief minister to order an inquiry immediately and act tough against those involved," a statement issued by Sonowal's office said.

Sarma is an influential leader of BJP in the Northeast and is credited for the saffron party's surge in the region since 2014.

In his Facebook post, Sarma said that "goons" of Trinamul Congress attacked them as they entered Khejuri under Kanthi Lok Sabha seat. "Many of our workers are injured even as Mamata Banerjee goons gheraoed and abused us. Bjp4Bengal President Dilip Ghosh and I are stuck," he said.

He said the TMC workers even stopped the CRPF personnel, who reached the spot to rescue them. "I am appalled at such brazen abuse of power by Mamata Banerjee whose people have thrown all democratic norms to the gutter. Is this the #NewIndia that we dream of? Sarma posted.