Lathicharge on Gaddi community unites political rivals

DHARAMSHALA: The issue of derogatory remarks by

Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh

took an odd turn on Wednesday evening after police cane-charged the people of the

Gaddi community

who protested and tried to stop the cavalcade of Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh.

It was the remarks of CM he made while targeting BJP state President

Satpal Satti

on Monday that had triggered the controversy. He has said that what if Satti is a president, even Gaddi communities have presidents too.

The incident has given a right opportunity to politicians before elections in state to criticize incumbent congress government on this issue.

Lathi charge has united the political rivals who participated in mass protest organized to gherao the district police headquarters on Thursday. Police has also not denied the incident but said to hold an inquiry on this.

It has become the compulsion for leaders of Kangra and Chamba district which retains 20 assembly seats to raise their voice on this issue. There are gaddi leaders in congress also and they too have not spoken a word to defend Virbhadra Singh and party.

Kishan Kapoor, former minister and BJP leader who represents the community have questioned the stance of forest minister Thakur Singh Bharmouri, the sitting forest minister in congress government on this issue.

“Gaddi leaders in congress party should resign and stand with the community on this issue. Thakur Singh Bharmouri should clear what is important for him congress or his community” he said.

In BJP, Kamla Patial a former council president and the political rival of Kapoor were seen together in protest rally. Patial had fought elections against Kapoor in 2012. Onkar Nehria, a councillor who managed a meeting of BJP workers recently to protest against the candidature of Kapoor also joined the protest.

Karnik Padha, a youth BJP leader Karnik Padha and known betenoire of only sitting female BJP MLA Sarveen Choudhary were seen along in rally on Thursday. Congress leader, Major Vijay Singh Mankotia also condemned the issue. Apart from this leaders from across the state are condemning the incident.

Gaddi community in Baijnath area is going to hold a rally on Saturday. Congress newly appointed party in charge Sushil Kumar Shinde is coming for three day visit to this district from August 16th to 18th. It is expected that backed by BJP few outfits can hold a demonstration before him on this issue.

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