The Assam state government found itself at the centre of a political spat after Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma posted a tourism‑focused video on Facebook during World Tourism Day, while the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) demanded the release of its detained members.
Earlier this month, CJP activists Ashutosh Ranka and several other party workers were taken into custody by Assam police under allegations of unlawful assembly, sparking protests from the party’s supporters.
NCP (SP) spokesperson Anish Gawande told reporters that the CM was "afraid" of the youth of Assam and warned that if the detainees are not released, Guwahati will witness a mass movement tomorrow. In the same press conference, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke responded to the tourism video by saying, "Ashu came to explore Assam, but you detained him," and jokingly added that he looks forward to the protest.
Shortly after the controversy erupted, Ashutosh Ranka was released from custody, but the CJP leadership still demands the release of all detained members and threatens mass mobilisation.
The Assam government is expected to issue a statement on the release conditions, while the CJP plans to mobilise its supporters on the promised day, potentially forcing the state to divert police resources.