Congress claims BJP ‘sponsored’ communal violence in Madhya Pradesh

BJP is running a parallel law and order machinery in Madhya Pradesh: Congress

Congress on Wednesday alleged that the ruling BJP "sponsored" the recent communal violence witnessed in parts of Madhya Pradesh, and the statements of the Chief Minister and Home Minister were not helpful for the maintenance of peace.

In a memorandum submitted to the State Director General of Police, the Opposition party also alleged that the houses of those allegedly involved in violence were being pulled down without following due procedure.

The BJP was running a parallel law and order machinery in Madhya Pradesh, it claimed.

The ruling party has been "misusing the power" and "sponsored the communal violence in Raisen, Ratlam, Khargone and Sendhwa," Congress alleged.

While violence was reported in Raisen and Ratlam a few weeks ago, trouble broke out at Khargone and Sendhwa during Ram Navami celebrations on Sunday.

Home Minister Narottam Mishra's "inciting" statements were exacerbating communal tensions, Congress claimed.

Congress legislator Arif Masood, who was part of the delegation which met the DGP, said there were instances where some dispute broke out at night and the administration started demolishing the houses (of alleged miscreants) the next morning "on the basis of a list sent by the BJP office and without ascertaining who were actually involved." “I don't think the statements of chief minister (Shivraj Singh Chouhan) and home minister (Mishra) are helping establish peace...The demolition in the name of encroachment should be stopped,” the MLA said.