MP bypolls: Ex-CM Kamal Nath’s convoy allegedly attacked by BJP workers, stones pelted; Congress seeks action

A day after Madhya Pradesh Police registered an FIR against former Chief Minister Kamal Nath and seven other party leaders for holding a rally in Datia district, his convoy was allegedly attacked in Anuppur district on Wednesday.

The Congress claimed that when the state party chief Kamal Nath and his convoy was in Annupur district to attend a political rally, members of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) not only showed black flags and created a ruckus but also pelted stones on the vehicles even while the police stood watching. However, no one was reported to have been injured.

“The fact that Kamal Nath’s convey was attacked in front of police is proof that the ruling government is afraid of him and hatching a conspiracy against him with the help of police and district administration,” said senior spokesperson of the state Congress KK Mishra.

“A day after an FIR was lodged, ruling party workers have now turned violent and resorted to attacking the convoy of the ex-CM. This can’t be tolerated. Strict action should have been taken against them and the government should not misuse its power to discourage opposition party leaders” he added.

The video of the incident also went viral on social media platforms.

The bypolls on 28 seats in the state will be held on November 3 and the results will be announced on November 10. The Congress and the BJP have both announced its candidates for the polls.

A day earlier, accusing Congress leaders of violating COVID-19 norms during a rally in Bhander town of Datia district, the city police registered an FIR against Kamal Nath, tribal leader Phool Singh Baraiya, Datia district Congress president Nahar Singh Yadav and others.

They were booked under IPC Sections 188, 269, 270 and Section 15 (B) of Disaster Management Act 2005 by the police.

Commenting over it, state Congress legal cell chief JP Dhanopia said the party may move court against the FIR. “Datia Congress chief Yadav had already taken permission to hold a rally in the Sabzi Mandi area of Bhander town of Datia district on October 1,” he said.

“The administration granted permission for a gathering of 3,000 people with certain conditions. But on October 4, a day before the rally, it sent an email to Congress saying that only 100 people would be allowed, without citing any reasons. This was done to demoralise the opposition. We are afraid of no one and hence, we will move the court.” he added.

Coming down heavily on the ruling BJP Government, media in charge of former CM Kamal Nath, Narendra Saluja said, “Kamal Nath has been drawing huge crowds during his rallies and the ruling government is afraid of his popularity. Hence, it is misusing its powers.”

He asked, “When BJP leaders including CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, Rajya Sabha MP Jyotiraditya Scindia and other BJP leaders are holding rallies and violating COVID-19 precautions norms, why is no case being registered against them? The administration is turning a blind eye to it”.

BJP spokesperson Rajneesh Aggrawal said, "It has nothing to do with the BJP and the government; law is taking its course."