Bali accuses BJP of vitiating peace in Kangra

Dharamshala, May 2 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Transport and Tourism Minister G S Bali today accused the BJP of vitiating peace in Kangra district of the state and said it was trying to create a law and order problem in the otherwise peaceful hill state.

Addressing a press conference here, he accused the BJP leaders of instigating its workers to attack the peacefully protesting Congress workers yesterday.

Buttressing his claim with a video clipping and few photographs, Mr Bali said that there was enough evidence to prove that the BJP workers had first attacked his supporters that led to the clash.

Referring to the BJP workers as ''goons'' who were always looking out for an opportunity to disturb the peace for their vested political interests, he said by creating law and order problem, the BJP was trying to make it an issue in the coming Hamirpur Lok Sabha elections.

Replying to a question, he said since former union minister Shanta Kumar and former state CM P K Dhumal were responsible and respectable politicians they should therefore, not indulge in such gimmicks for vested political gains.

Mr Bali warned the BJP to desist from such tactics in future.

''Law will take its own course and whosoever is found guilty will be punished as per the law of the land.'' He also accused the BJP leaders of trying to ''terrorise'' the senior Kangra district officials after the incident to lodge a false complaint against him and his supporters.

Terming the BJP as a party of corrupt people, he said had it been so Lok Sabha member from Hamirpur Suresh Chandel would not have been dismissed from the parliament on charges of corruption.

The BJP MP's dismissal from the Parliament had led to a by-poll on this seat, he added.

UNI