Kshatriya Mahasabha burns Diggy in effigy

Ujjain, MP, Dec 26 (UNI) All India Congress Committee General Secretary Digvijay Singh has been burnt in effigy by the All India Kshatriya Mahasabha's local unit in protest against the former Madhya Pradesh chief minister's scuffle with the Mahasabha's district president.

Two organisations function here under the Mahasabha's umbrella.

One of them organised a two-day state-level convention, which began on December 24, and Mr Singh was also invited at yesterday's valedictory programme.

Mahasabha District President Anil Singh Chandel, who has been principally organising the community's programmes for several years, led a delegation that submitted a memorandum to Mr Singh demanding that he should not attend the ''fake'' organisation's programme.

Despite that, Mr Singh headed for the event. At the Chamunda Mata temple crossing, black flags were waved and slogans raised.

Peeved over the protest, the Congress leader alighted from his car and dispersed the demonstrators himself.

Meanwhile, Mr Chandel -- who is admitted to the district hospital -- told mediapersons that Mr Singh struck him repeatedly in the face.

''The police did not register my complaint,'' Mr Chandel alleged.

A Mahasabha release condemned the assault on its office-bearer and added that Mr Singh was burnt in effigy last night. Mr Chandel warned that if a case was not registered against Mr Singh then the Rajput community would be compelled to launch a countrywide agitation.

UNI XC-AC 1558