BJP meeting at Circuit House kicks off row

Shivani Bhakoo

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, September 8

In the times of Covid-19 when the administration is trying hard to contain the spread of virus, a new team of district BJP office-bearers was introduced by the senior leaders at a meeting held at the Circuit House today. While the meeting witnessed an attendance of around 35 persons, no permission was allegedly taken to hold the meeting at the Circuit House.

No permission granted, says DC

Deputy Commissioner Varinder Kumar Sharma said no political meetings were allowed and no permission was given to anyone by him in this regard. He, however, said: “The ADC (G) is enquiring into the matter and if any wrong has been done, appropriate action will be taken.”

According to sources, four prominent senior leaders of the BJP attended the “introduction” meeting along with 30 team members and a few others.

Congress leader Parminder Mehta said a few leaders, who were supposed to be in isolation (as BJP leaders had attended a meeting in Chandigarh which was also attended by two or three persons who tested positive for Covid) till September-mid, were also present at today’s meeting. “They are simply playing with the lives of people and nobody is bothered, neither the administration nor political parties,” he alleged.

Dist BJP president’s take

Ludhiana BJP president Pushpender Singhal said it was a small gathering comprising the members of the new team and a few senior leaders. When asked if permission was taken from the administration to hold a meeting at the Circuit House, Singhal said: “The general secretary of Ludhiana BJP would know about that”.

The general secretary of district BJP, Kaantendu Sharma, however, claimed if permission was not given, how could they hold a meeting at the Circuit House? “We are in the Opposition. How can we hold a meeting if permission is not granted by the administration?” he asked.