BJP, Cong clash at Shakarpur function

More than 100 BJP workers allegedly clashed with Congress workers in a high-voltage drama that unfolded in east Delhi’s Shakarpur during the inaugural function of a sewer line on Saturday afternoon. HT reports.

More than 100 Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers allegedly clashed with Congress workers in a high-voltage drama that unfolded in east Delhi’s Shakarpur during the inaugural function of a sewer line on Saturday afternoon.

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More than a dozen people, including the president of Vikas Marg trader’s association, were injured in the clash that broke out around 3.30pm in M-Block, Jagatram Park in Shakarpur.

The injured alleged that they were attacked with laathis by the group of BJP workers led by three local BJP councillors — BB Tyagi, Sushil Upadhyay and Asha Singh.

Police have registered a case of rioting and hurt against the councillors and their supporters.

Police said the function was to be attended by east Delhi MP Sandeep Dikshit and Delhi health minister Dr AK Walia. It was organised by local Congress workers in co-ordination with area residents. Around 500 people including local residents, Congress workers and supporters of Walia were waiting for the arrival of the guests.

“A meeting was going on at the venue when the three local BJP councillors, along with their party workers and supporters, arrived and began vandalising the stage.

"The protesters had black flags with them and shouted slogans against the Congress government,” said the senior officer, adding the protesters allegedly greeted Walia with black flags when he arrived.

When some Congress party workers and local residents tried to stop the agitators from creating a ruckus, the BJP workers allegedly began attacking them with batons and chairs.

During the clash, Congress worker and president of Vikas Marg trader’s association Mezibur Rehman suffered injuries on his head and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital.

Some more people were also injured and discharged after preliminary medical attention.

A member of Lalita Park RWA, who was present at the spot, said the protesters waved black flags at Walia and his supporter and then started pelting stones at them. Many people were injured in the clash and the function had to be cancelled.

After the protesters left the venue, Walia and Dikshit along with their party workers and supporters went to the Shakarpur police station and demanded immediate police action. Walia has reportedly asked the police to submit their action taken report by Sunday.

However, Delhi BJP chief Vijay Goel said, “The Congress workers and leaders assembled near BJP councillor BB Tyagi’s house for the function and the public showed them black flags. When the Congress workers confronted the public, Tyagi reached there. The police have registered a case against the BJP workers because it is Congress’ own government.”