Imphal: Dozens of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha members, the youth wing of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party stormed the Congress Bhavan here and burned effigies of Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, former president Rahul Gandhi here on Thursday evening against the alleged breach of security for Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Punjab on Wednesday.
They shouted slogans against Congress and later attacked the gate of Congress office. Congress’ women leaders who were present condemned the alleged assault of the party’s women workers by the BJYM members.
Those who took part in the protest said the effigies were burnt to protest Wednesday’s Punjab incident in which Modi had to go back without addressing a function as his cavalcade was blocked by protestors. They also shouted, “Bharat Mata ki Jai”.
A BJP youth leader alleged it was an attempt on the Prime Minister’s life.
Congress MLAs and leaders, addressing the media after the incident, condemned the attack on their party office.
Congress Spokesman Hareshwar Goswami alleged that the police were helping the BJP workers. Congress leaders said the protestors came along with BJP members taking the opportunity of the darkness and alleged that such kind of violent attacks on party offices had never occurred earlier. L Tilotama, Spokesperson, Congress said the Congress believes in non-violence and abhors such violent activities.
T Mangibabu, state Congress Vice President and former Minister said it was “unfortunate” that the team of BJP workers who vandalised the Congress office included BJP state youth wing President and other office-bearers.
Congress leaders alleged that the police normally patrols the sensitive area.However, there was no police personnel when the BJYM workers came.
He also condemned the assault on women Congress workers and questioned the reason for the attack at night. With agency inputs
