Amar Singh criticises Congress for not allowing rally

Mumbai, Nov 21 (UNI) Samajwadi Party national general secretary Amar Singh today came down heavily on Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh for not allowing his party to hold the rally at Shivaji Park, Dadar, in central Mumbai.

Talking to reporters here, Mr Singh maintained that all his efforts to talk with Mr Deshmukh in this regard did not materialise.

Mr Singh wondered why his rally was not given the permission citing the law and order problem.

''If a rally can create law and order problem, then let there be President's rule in Maharashtra in place of Uttar Pradesh as is being demanded by Congress,'' said Mr Singh.

He also claimed that nearly 7,000 party workers were arrested by the police at various places in the city as they were marching towards the public meeting venue. Those arrested include party MP Abu Asim Azmi, city unit general secretary Shyamsunder Arya and others.

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