Jan Chetna workers protest against Haryana SSC, want chairman to resign

Trouble started after a youth seminar-cum-party workers’ meet was held at Indradhanush Auditorium in Sector 5 today. Urging workers to fight against the alleged irregularities by SSC members, Sharma asked them to march towards the SSC office. The workers reached the office around 1.30 pm. A scuffle broke out when the police tried to stop them from barging into the building.

Vijay Kumar was taken to the second floor as the protesters entered the premises. A 10-member delegation from the party was allowed to meet the chairman. However, Kumar refused to accept their demands.

At 3.45 pm, Ajay Singhal, Commissioner (Panchkula-Ambala) arrived. Fifteen minutes later, district Deputy Commissioner S S Phulia reached. The protesters became aggressive and tried to break into the room where Kumar and senior police officers were holding a discussion. After nearly four hours of chaos, the party workers were moved out of the building.

Asked about the allegations, Kumar said, “Everything is run here (SSC) in a transparent manner.”

Sharma hits out
Sharma hit out at the Haryana SSC, comparing it with the Simon Commission. Headed by Sir John Simon during the British rule, the Simon Commission in 1928 met with a strong protest as it proposed the abolition of diarchy in the country.

“This (SSC) commission is no less than the Simon Commission. The latter used to kill people with bullets while the SSC is killing the hopes of thousands of aspirants with its biased attitude,” said Sharma.

The party said it would raise the issue of unemployment and attacked the Hooda government. “We will not let any politician who tries to suppress our rights succeed,” Sharma told party workers. “We will fight all 90 Assembly seats.”

No police action

The Panchkula police did not take any action against Jan Chetna workers, who trespassed on a government building and staged a protest without giving prior notice. “We will take appropriate action if we receive a complaint from the department. We will not be take suo motu action,” said Ajay Singhal, Commissioner (Panchkula-Ambala).

Interviews disrupted

The protest disrupted the schedule of many visually impaired candidates, who had come for their interview scheduled today at the SSC office. Raj Kumar, one of the candidates who had come alone from Faridabad, said, “I do not know where to go now. Tomorrow I will have to return here for the interview.”