Congress internal committee finds allegations against Srinivas BV baseless, deliberates action against complainant

New Delhi (India), April 21, 2023: The Assam Congress is reportedly considering the suspension of its former youth wing chief, Angkita Dutta, who recently accused the president of the Indian Youth Congress, Srinivas BV, of harassment and discrimination.

Sources have stated that the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has found Dutta’s allegations to be “baseless and politically motivated.” Consequently, the APCC is taking disciplinary action against Dutta for allegedly tarnishing the image of the party and its leaders.

Following her complaint against Srinivas BV at Dispur police station on Wednesday, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Assam Police summoned Angkita Dutta on Thursday. The CID is expected to register a First Information Report (FIR) against Srinivas BV based on Dutta’s complaint and will launch a thorough investigation into the matter.

Dutta had alleged that Srinivas BV and another IYC leader, Vardhan Yadav, had discriminated against her on the grounds of her gender and had used foul language to threaten her. Dutta further claimed that she had informed the party leadership, including former Congress president Rahul Gandhi and general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, about the issue, but no action was taken.

Srinivas BV, who is currently campaigning for the Congress in Karnataka ahead of the assembly elections next month, has denied the allegations and filed a defamation suit against Angkita Dutta for using “unparliamentary and defamatory” words against him.

The Assam Congress issued a show-cause notice to Dutta on Thursday, requesting an explanation as to why disciplinary action should not be taken against her within 24 hours.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has termed the issue an “internal matter” of the Congress party and stated, “She has complained to Rahul Gandhi, not me. If I act, then they will question why I am concerned about Congress’s internal matter.” This statement was made before Dutta filed a police complaint.