Democratic demonstration right of people's representative:Rohani

Bhopal, Apr 11 (UNI) Madhya Pradesh Assembly Speaker Ishwardas Rohani has said it was the fundamental right of a people's representative to protest in a democratic manner when the rights of people are violated The statement comes in the wake of a Jabalpur court framing charges against Mr Rohani, Health Minister Ajay Vishnoi, Fisheries Minister Moti Kashyap and six BJP workers for allegedly attacking a police station and threatening policemen 22 years ago.

Mr Rohani told UNI that the BJP had staged a demonstration over problems of people and violation of their rights.

The demonstration -- led by former Chief Ministers Kailash Joshi and Virendra Kumar Sakhlecha -- was being staged in front of Belbagh Police Station when chaos was created after police used force.

He claimed that his conduct as well as that of other party workers and leaders was fully controlled. However, police blamed agitating leaders for the chaos.

The Speaker said he and other BJP leaders had not crossed the limits of democratic demonstration. The fact was confirmed by eyewitnesses and police officials.

He said everybody knew that several actions were taken time and again in such matters because of vested interests. However, he would not like to comment upon the matter.

Mr Rohani said a political party and people's representatives fight for the rights of people and demonstration by the Opposition can turn violent on some occasions.

However, it was not appropriate to find a wrong intention or level allegations and counter-allegations over it.

Mr Rohani said he had earlier requested the court to withdraw the case on these grounds.

On April 9, Chief Judicial Magistrate Rajeev Karmahe framed charges against Mr Rohani, Mr Vishnoi and Mr Kashyap under sections 147, 148, 149, 353 and 506 B of the IPC for rioting, threatening and trying to obstruct government work.

However, next day the District and Sessions Judge postponed the next date of hearing in the case from April 16 to April 25.

UNI