More than 100 arrested for opposing

Indore, Aug 20 (UNI) About 100 people, including Congress legislator Premchand Guddu and district panchayat president Yogita Choudhary, were arrested for opposing Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje Scindia inaugurating the statue of Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi.

The agitators, including some freedom fighters, were arrested while they were going to protest the inauguration organised the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC). Freedom fighters had warned to wave black flags in order to protest the inauguration.

The Indore Swatantrata Sangram Senani Federation said it was unfortunate that the statue of Rani Lakshmibai was being inaugurated by the woman of a family, which supported the British during the first freedom struggle of 1857.

The arrested included several Congress workers, including supporters of Congress MP Jyotiraditya Scindia and Mr Guddu.

Meanwhile, amidst strong opposition and tight security arrangements, Ms Scindia inaugurated the statue. She expressed gratitude towards the IMC and BJP leaders for providing her opportunity to pay tribute to Rani Lakshmibai.

Ms Scindia said the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had announced to establish a statue of Rani Lakshmibai in Indore in 1956 and it was being fulfilled after 50 years.

UNI AA-PS 2035