BJP observes Dhikkar Diwas; Congress asks funds from Centre

BHOPAL: Ahead of Lok Sabha elections political slugfest has begun in the state as BJP on Saturday observed Dhikkar Diwas (condemnation day) at district headquarters against the 'anti-public' policies of the Kamal Nath-led Congress government while Congress shot back saying Centre led by Narendra Modi was blocking development and welfare funds to the state.

BJP workers held demonstration and gheraoed office of district collectorates in Bhopal and other cities throwing the normal traffic out of gear.

While leading the rally in the state capital, BJP state president Rakesh Singh said party workers are not afraid of Congress. "Kamal Nath government can use force, but BJP would continue to fight for the rights of poor," Singh said.

The state BJP chief accused the Congress of "fooling the state's public" and said that the welfare schemes started by BJP government are being shut by Congress.

Singh along with hundreds of party workers reached the district collectorate in the state capital on a a tractor and tried to enter the collectorate following which BJP workers were arrested and later released.

Former chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan led the protests in Indore . Other major BJP names led rallies in Datia, Gwalior , Jabalpur, Khandwa and Dhar as well.

"The Congress party is going to approach all BJP MPs to demand release of funds due to the state from the Centre," said state PCC media committee chairperson Shobha Oza.

State Congress leaders submitted a memorandum to the LoP Gopal Bhargava and later to MP from Bhopal Alok Sanjar, giving details of funds due from the Centre.