Now,Cong to launch jail bharo campaign

Party sources said the leaders discussed the matter with Digvijay Singh,AICC general secretary in-charge of UP.

Though on Thursday,the party had decided to organise peaceful dharnas,the leaders sounded aggressive on Friday.

Dwivedi,who chaired the meeting,said: “The party line is clear. We stand by the spirit of Rita’s statement,we will raise our voice against atrocities on Dalits. She has already expressed regret for her words and has made it clear that her statement was twisted.”

Explaining the agitation programme,he said: “We have decided to go ahead in a phased manner. The first phase was dharnas and demonstrations,but the state government was harsh on our people. So,now we will launch jail bharo.”

In order to mobilise workers,all senior leaders,including MPs and MLAs,have been asked to take charge of the agitation in their area.

“Each district has been asked to plan their protest. The idea is that instead of going out in small numbers,the workers should be mobilised to come out in large numbers in an organised manner,” said a senior leader.

During the day,party workers in different parts of the state organised protests,with Congress MP from Moradabad Mohd Azharuddin courting arrest in Moradabad.