By Tajdar H. Zaidi
Lucknow: Several vehicles parked near a Congress office in Amethi’s Gauriganj were vandalised last night, allegedly by BJP workers. The Congress has alleged the attack was orchestrated by sitting MP and BJP candidate Smriti Irani. It has also accused “BJP goons” of attacking its workers.
Sources said upon receiving information, police reached the spot and spoke with the party workers who took to the streets in protest against this. Congress workers staged a protest with former party MLC Deepak Singh claiming that on Sunday night, when some party workers were present at the office, a group of BJP workers arrived and vandalised vehicles parked outside the party office. Singh claimed that the miscreants were carrying iron rods and fled when Congress workers tried to nab them, sources said.
Meanwhile, a video of the damaged cars was posted on the official handle of Congress on X. The party stated, “Smriti Irani and BJP workers are badly scared in Amethi. Frustrated by the defeat they saw, BJP goons armed with sticks and rods reached Congress office in Amethi and vandalised vehicles parked there.” The party also claimed, many Congress workers were also injured in the attack.
Circle Officer Amethi Mayank Dwivedi said police were informed that several vehicles parked near the Congress office had been “damaged”. “Action is being taken in the matter,” he added.
Amethi will vote in the fifth phase on May 20 during the ongoing election . The (BJP) has fielded sitting MP Smriti Irani once again while Kishori Lal Sharma is the Congress pick .
However BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi said Congress is using dirty tricks in the election for Amethi Lok Sabha seat. He said the incident of vandalism was an attempt by the Congress to seek sympathy votes. “We appeal to the Election Commission to take strict action, investigate this thoroughly and make the names of those who vandalised cars public,” he said.
Some videos showed local residents telling police officers about the incident and questioning them how such an incident could take place while the model code of conduct is in force.
