Night-long Cong protest, CM’s house under siege

Tribune News Service

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Chandigarh, October 13

In a repeat of their night stay at the Vidhan Sabha during the recent monsoon session, Congress MLAs tonight decided to stay put outside the CM’s residence in protest against the alleged assault – and police inaction — on party workers in Ludhiana on Dasehra eve.

They demanded action against Police Commissioner JS Aulakh and SP Jaswinder Singh, accusing them of inaction even as Akalis attack Congress workers.

The MLAs refused to listen to CM Parkash Singh Badal, who came out twice to assure them that the erring SP would be sent on leave.

Ludhiana MP Ravneet Singh Bittu said they would not budge from the spot till action was taken against all erring police officers.

Over 10 MLAs were camping outside the CM’s house. State party affairs incharge Asha Kumari paid a visit, while PPCC president Capt Amarinder Singh is expected to meet them tomorrow.

Jakhar said by taking offensive to the use of word “chitta”, the Akalis were themselves admitting to their connection with the drug menace.

Raising slogans against the government, the Congress leaders demanded immediate suspension of the SP and transfer of the Police Commissioner. They alleged the police were biased as they booked six Congressmen for attempt to murder, including DCC president Gurpreet Gogi, who was injured in the clash. 

Jakhar sought reply from the CM on whether any instructions had been passed by the administration about the specific colour code of the effigy of the demons. He termed the attack by Akalis as “surgical strike” on Congress workers.