Union Minister and BJP’s in-charge for Punjab, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, asserts that violence is unacceptable in a civilized society
BJP candidate Sucha Ram Ladhar, contesting from the Gill constituency in Ludhiana, Punjab, suffered injuries after an attack on his car by allegedly unidentified people, the police reported.
The attack took place as he returned from an election campaign in a village in his constituency in Ludhiana. The police further said to the media that bricks were hurled at his car, due to which he suffered injuries.
Ladhar was immediately admitted to Ludhiana civil hospital. His condition is now reportedly stable. The police also informed that further investigations are ongoing.
Earlier that day, Ladhar was also present in an election rally addressed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
BJP takes serious note of the attack:
BJP reacted with fierce criticism of Ladhar’s attack. Union Minister and Party in charge for Punjab, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, responded with strong condemnation of the attack and alleged that the attack was orchestrated by the opponents who felt threatened by BJP’s rising popularity in Punjab.
In his statement, Shekhawat asserts, “Those responsible for the incident will be identified and strictly dealt with according to the law… We will not let our leaders and workers being threatened and intimidated by violence.”
Shekhawat challenged opponents to fight the electoral battle without dangling the sword of violence. He interpreted this incident as a symbol of BJP’s rising popularity in Punjab: “These incidents are only an indication that the BJP candidates are leading everywhere and the opponents in sheer frustration are now trying to use violence to intimidate them.”
Hinting at changing times, Shekhawat said, “it is not Congress rule in the state anymore where you will disrupt the Prime Minister’s program.”
He issued a warning to all opponents, “Everything is being noted and monitored to the minutest detail, and everything will be taken to the logical conclusion.” Shekhawat also warned that BJP would not let this attack on his candidate go unnoticed.
Further, Shekhawat’s pointed to the police’s role in assuring that the upcoming elections in Punjab are free of violence: “You are there to protect people, and during current times, you have the added responsibility.”
He requested officials not to be intimidated or influenced by any power but perform their duty as laid down by the law and administration.
Punjab Assembly Elections are scheduled to take place on February 20. Vote counting is scheduled for March 10.
Published By – Pawan Rajput
Edited By – Mahi Gupta
