Locals upset over BJP slogan on house
BHOPAL: The ruling party in Madhya Pradesh is accused of writing “my house belongs to BJP” on the walls of homes in Shahpura locality near here, allegedly after a failed membership drive.
The neighbourhood of around 4,000 people is considered a Congress stronghold. The slogan was allegedly painted without permission of the homeowners.
“The nameplate in my house clearly mentions my name and post in the Congress … still they wrote the slogan on my wall. Two weeks ago they came for a membership drive. When people didn’t show interest, they wrote slogans in revenge,” said Bhopal district Congress general secretary Pyare Khan on Thursday.
The BJP dismissed the allegation, saying the slogans and posters were part of the publicity for the membership drive. “We have not forced anybody … the slogan was painted randomly for ad and not to take revenge,” said BJP corporator Sushma Babees.
BJP legislator Surendra Nath Singh clarified that the drive was held across the nation and writing slogans and pasting posters are part of it. “If it causes trouble for people, I will look into it.” The party’s response failed to calm frayed nerves in the locality.
Local Congress leader Ashok Sharma said: “When they were writing on my wall, my family objected. But they didn’t listen.”
Congress leaders said they would lodge complaints with the Election Commission for “forcing” people into BJP.
Locals said this could create problems for them. “I am a government employee and if somebody lodges a complaint accusing me of being a party’s supporter, disciplinary action could be taken against me,” said a man who didn’t wish to be named.