Suspended MP Cong leaders claim innocence

Bhopal, Nov 19 (UNI) Suspended Congress Madhya Pradesh unit General Secretary Govind Goyal and Legal Cell Chairman J P Dhanopia, describing themselves as innocent, today said they would place their side of the matter before the party chiefs.

The two leaders were suspended from the party in connection with a recent performance by Bundelkhand's Bedni folk dancers outside the Congress state office and complaints of alleged misbehaviour against some of them.

''Until this afternoon, I have not received any written intimation about the suspension. On Mr Goyal's birthday on November 12, I went to the office as usual and wished him. I had nothing to do with the dance but observed several workers garlanding Mr Goyal at the main gate,'' Mr Dhanopia told UNI here.

According to Mr Dhanopia, the newspaper photographs of his garlanding Mr Goyal might have led to the action. Expressing surprise over the move, he did not deny the apprehension of a conspiracy.

''I will soon meet the high command and will also demand an inquiry into programmes other than party programmes at the office these days,'' Mr Dhanopia added.

Mr Goyal claimed that many excited workers gathered at the office on his birthday to express their happiness. Some young women present also danced.

''I do not know whether they were workers or dancers. Many people congratulated and garlanded me but there was neither misbehaviour nor obscenity,'' he claimed.

The Congress Working Committee has formed a probe commitee that is to submit a report in ten days.

''I will soon place my side of the matter before Congress State President Subhash Yadav. I am yet to receive any written intimation,'' said Mr Goyal. Mr Yadav is presently out of station.

Political observers believe that the action could be a consequence of alleged groupism in the state Congress even as the assembly elections are due next year.

''Further action against the leader duo will be decided after the report is submitted,'' said party General Secretary and Madhya Pradesh incharge V Narayanasamy.

UNI