Cong protests minister’s comment in Ambala

Tribune News Service

Ambala, January 16

Demanding action against State Health and Sports Minister Anil Vij for his statement against Mahatma Gandhi, Congressmen, led by former minister Nirmal Singh, today took out a protest march in Ambala Cantonment. They also burnt his effigy to mark their protest.

Singh said Vij had hurt their sentiments and the government should dismiss him and send him to jail. Criticising Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, he said: “The CM can’t runaway by making a statement that it was Vij’s personal opinion. By not taking any action, the CM and the party leadership has made it clear that it was the view of the party.”

The Congress leader also targeted Kurukshetra MP Rajkumar Saini for supporting Anil Vij. Singh said: “Gandhi is our icon and we will not tolerate any insult to him.” On the other hand, Ambala City MLA Aseem Goyal defended Vij and said the “Congress is using Mahatma Gandhi for its political benefits and to keep itself alive”.

“Mahatma Gandhi is our national icon and we have no objection with that. Whatever Vij said was not meant to disrespect Gandhiji. The Congress has been trying to use everything for its political benefits whether it is the Tricolor or Mahatma Gandhi.”