Congmen, police clash in UP capital; several hurt

Lucknow, Nov 27 (UNI) At least 50 Congress workers and over seven police personnel were injured when the two groups clashed outside the Vidhan Bhawan premises here today during the party's ''Lucknow Ghero'' agitation.

UP Congress president Salman Khurshid escaped unhurt due to timely intervention by senior police officials.

Trouble started when some women Congress workers clashed with police near the main gates of the Vidhan Bhawan. While three police personnel were reportedly injured in the clash, police retaliated by using force on the agitators. ''The women started hitting our men with banners,'' a policeman claimed.

Some photo journalists covering the event were also injured.

Talking to reporters later, Mr Khurshid said the use of force by police showed the frustration of the Mulayam Singh Yadav government.

In a bid to control the mob, the police later used tear gas and water cannons. Some Congress leaders were hurt during the use of water cannons.

A party spokesperson claimed UPCC president Salman Khurshid was one of those injured. ''Police used lathis to hit Mr Khurshid,'' he claimed.

While Congress claimed police used rubber bullets on its workers, police maintained it only used tear gas.

Later, Mr Khurshid and Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Pramod Tiwari courted arrest along with Congress workers. They were let off soon from the spot itself.

Congress had launched its 'jail bharo' agitation from November 21 following a call given by AICC president Sonia Gandhi.

During a similar protest in Kanpur a couple of days ago, the ruling Samajwadi Party and Congress workes had clashed. Police had later lodged an FIR against Congress MLA Ajay Kapoor for instigating the violence.

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