UPA leader asks UPA supporters to ‘thrash’ BJP workers ‘if necessary’, saffron party reacts sharply
Bandhu Tirkey, the working president of the Jharkhand Congress, caused controversy on Monday by urging party workers to thrash BJP activists if necessary.
Deputy Chief Minister Tirkey was speaking during a sit-in organized by the ruling UPA near the Raj Bhavan here against the saffron party and its summons of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren and an Income Tax search against two Congress legislators.
As a result of Tirkey’s actions, the BJP reacted sharply, and its national vice-president Raghubar Das cautioned UPA supporters not to touch any BJP workers.
In a money laundering case related to alleged illegal mining in the state, the Enforcement Directorate summoned Soren for questioning on November 3. It is reported that Soren skipped the summons and went to Chhattisgarh to attend a pre-planned program. He reportedly requested three weeks to appear before the central investigative agency.
The Income Tax department searched on November 4 at properties linked to Jharkhand Congress MLAs Kumar Jaimangal and Pradip Yadav. The MLAs had alleged that the searches were conducted under the pressure of the BJP.
While addressing the crowd, JMM general secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya stated that the BJP would never succeed in its quest to overthrow the Hemant Soren government in Jharkhand as the people of the state support the development of the state.
Tirkey created controversy by stating, “We are not opposed to any investigation.” The party workers should expose the BJP and, if necessary, thrash the BJP workers. However, a proper response will be given if it is done with a political vendetta. The protest was also attended by several senior JMM and Congress leaders and legislators, including Badal Patralekh, Mathura Mahto, and Rajya Sabha MP Mahua Majhi.
After Tirkey commented, Das tweeted: “First (UPA) involved in corruption and, if caught, incite violence.”. “BJP workers do not get thrashed. They respond appropriately.” “(UPA) Do not touch them, even by mistake,” he cautioned.
Monday marked the beginning of a weeklong block-level agitation by the saffron party.
“The entire state is in trouble because of the anti-people policies of the government of Hemant Soren,” said BJP senior leader Babulal Marandi, who led the agitation in Gandey block in Giridih district.
At Baharagora block in East Singhbhum district, BJP state president Deepak Prakash led the protest. PTI
