Cong, BJP show video ‘proofs’ of other’s hand in MP violence

BHOPAL: Madhya Pradesh’s ruling BJP and the Opposition Congress have waged a video war against each other with both sides releasing ‘visual proofs’ of their rival’s ‘hand’ in fanning violence during farmers’ stir.

The BJP leaders have accused the Congress of inciting violence, especially after the police firing in Mandsaur killed at least five farmers. The accusation was supported by a video clip being shared on social media in which Congress MLA from Karera , Shakuntala Khatik, is purportedly heard yelling ‘iss thaane mein aag laga do’ (set this police station on fire) in the presence of his party workers.

Khatik admitted that she made the remarks after she was ‘insulted’ by police. “It was a spontaneous reaction out of anger”, she told HT.

State BJP spokesperson Rajneesh Agarwal said the clipping was ‘enough proof’ of how Congress incited the farmers.

In a counter attack, Congress leaders pointed out to a video being circulated on social media, in which BJP leader Dharmveer Chauhan alias Babbu Darbar is seen distributing canes among people in Indore’s Betma reportedly on June 7.

Congress’ state president, Arun Yadav alleged that Chauhan was one of the persons behind instigating violence in Malwa region.“The peaceful protest turned violent because BJP incited people by providing them canes and stones,” he said.

Refuting the charges, Chauhan said he distributed canes among the local businessmen for their self-defence after miscreants attacked their shops and sexually harassed two girls.