Protests a pre-poll strength show

The report on the booth allotment case has given an issue to the BJP which it now intent on taking it to the residents of the city. Not willing to let the BJP gain mileage,the Congress is claiming that the BJP is trying to obstruct the development work undertaken by Union Minister Pawan Bansal.

Preparations for the protest started at the beginning of the week,with the BJP announcing that they would hold protest at and gherao the residence of Bansal. The leaders of all wings were mobilised by both the parties.

The youth and workers in colonies and villages,as well as those in all wards,were asked to be part of the protest. Hectic activity was witnessed at markets too.

The closure of the rehri markets in various sectors today is being viewed by both parties as a victory. While the Congress claimed that the booth markets were kept closed for half a day in its support,BJP leaders stated that a lot of people in the market are on their side.

The report has once again brought to the fore the tussle between Bansal and former UT Administrator Gen S F Rodrigues (Retd).

The Congress has alleged that the former ADC P S Shergill,who has prepared the report,was close to Gen Rodrigues. While it has been more than a year since Gen Rodrigues left the city,the tussle between him and Bansal continues to be an issue for the party.

BJP city unit President Sanjay Tandon said,“Every issue is a contributor to the elections. We wanted to create awareness about the issue of booth allotment irregularities among the residents. To some extent that aim has been achieved today and every one is talking about it. This issue has tarnished the image of a senior leader who has been the face of Congress in the city for the past 20 years.”

The Congress,meanwhile,is taking the plea that the BJP is making an issue out of nothing. The party claims that the BJP could not counter the development work done by it and was therefore now trying to create hurdles. A senior Congress leader claimed that there are divisions within the BJP,due to which it fears losing the elections.

Bansal said that the Congress would not be harmed in any manner by such allegations and would come out with flying colours. “We have always taken up issues of the people and will continue to do so. I will ensure that the BJP is exposed,” said Bansal.

While the parties had already started holding meetings in different parts of the city for the forthcoming elections,the report seems to have created pace in the run-up to the polls.