BJP to take out morcha defying Govt ban

MUMBAI, JANUARY 27: The BJP in Maharashtra on Thursday announced that it would go ahead with its plan to take out a morcha in Aurangabad on January 31 despite the Democratic Front DF government8217;s decision to impose a ban on it.

8220;The DF government8217;s reason that communal tension will escalate if a morcha is taken out is illogical,8221; BJP spokesman Prakash Jawdekar told reporters here. He demanded that this 8220;black ban8221; be withdrawn immediately. 8220;It reminds of emergency rule when agitations carried out in a democratic manner are stifled8221;, the BJP spokesman said.

The BJP morcha in Aurangabad where the State cabinet is to meet, was to protest the DF government8217;s decision to scrap the stable price scheme and hike the cost of milk.

The party has also opposed the hike in sales tax of over 50 articles.

The Maharashtra Dalit Panther party has also supported the BJP8217;s agitation, Jawdekar said.

He alleged that law and order situation in the state was deteriorating. Eight communal riots, attack on actor-film maker Rakesh Roshan, the recent clash in Nasik only reflect the 8220;worsening8221; law and order scenario, Jawdekar added.