Kurukshetra MP Saini avoids clash with Jats, postpones Rohtak rally
ROHTAK: Under fire for his comments on Jats, Kurukshetra MP Raj Kumar Saini has decided to postpone his Saturday rally to avoid clash with the community in Rohtak. The MP will now hold his rally at New Grain Market in the district on Sunday, where he intends to meet victims of the February Jat quota violence.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader had announced his rally around two months ago. Sources said he wanted to mobilise Rohtak residents for his Samanta Rally to be held later this year in Kurukshetra. All India Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti (AIJASS) national president Yashpal Malik, however, announced a parallel brotherhood rally in Rohtak the same day, leading to the postponement.
“They (Khaps and Yashpal Malik) raised hue and cry over my rally and announced a parallel one to sabotage it… I don’t intend to fight with them… I just want to meet the victims — Punjabis and Sainis — who were specifically targeted during the quota stir,” said Saini.
AIJASS RALLY TODAY
On the other hand, Yashpal Malik accused Saini of “trying to divide people”. “He has invited everyone except Jats. To counter his casteist agenda, we are forced to organise this ‘bhaichara’ rally,” said Malik.
The AIJASS on Friday pitched tents in the grounds near Sector 6, where the rally will be held. The rally has the support of several khaps, unlike in June when the khaps had boycotted the second round of the quota stir organised by the AIJASS. Jats will be announcing their future course of action for reservations during the rally.
COPS ON THEIR TOES
Police are taking no chances ahead of the rally on Saturday. One additional director general of police, three inspector generals of police, seven superintendents of police and 17 deputy superintendents of police have been called to Rohtak for maintaining law and order, said a police spokesperson.
Nakas set up near the rally ground are being guarded by over 100 cops. Police also carried out a flag march on Friday evening.
₹11,000 FOR INFORMERS
The sarpanches of these villages have announced ₹11,000 reward for those who give