Farmers gatecrash BJP event in Mansa

Tribune news service

Mansa, September 17

BJP leaders and workers, who had gathered outside a post office in Mansa to celebrate Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday, faced protest from farmers on Friday.

On getting the information about the BJP’s event, farmers owing allegiance to BKU (Dakonda), Punjab Kisan Union, Mansa Kisan Union and Krantikari Kisan reached the venue and started raising slogans against the Prime Minister and the party.

BJP workers, too, raised slogans in favour of PM Modi and their party. To prevent any altercation, police personnel intervened and the protest ended after BJP workers left the venue. A heavy police force was deployed at the venue and surrounding areas to keep things under control. Besides, police personnel were deployed in streets and the main road area to keep a vigil apparently to avoid any untoward incident. Police personnel were also seen escorting BJP leaders and workers.

BKU (Dakonda) secretary Makhan Singh said: “Farmer unions have unanimously decided that wherever BJP leaders or workers will hold any event or activity in the state, we will protest. Today, we protested BJP leaders and workers who were celebrating Modi’s birthday. Until the Union Government repeals the three agricultural laws, we will continue to protest the BJP.”

Punjab Kisan Union leader Sukhcharan Singh said: "We organised a peaceful protest against the BJP and its leaders. They also raised slogans supporting Modi and the Centre, but we did not confront them. They also have a right to express themselves."