Poll code violation; lathicharge on protestors

Khargone (MP), Dec 6: At least 12 workers of Bhartiya Janata Party and Bhartiya Janshakti were injured when police resorted to mild lathicharge to disperse clashing workers after former MLA and BJ leader Gajanand Jeenwala protested violation of model code of conduct by ruling BJP with Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan allegedly addressing an election meeting at Kasravad in this district after 2300 hours last night.

Later Mr Jeenwala, national executive member of Ms Uma Bharti-led BJ, was arrested, police said.

Workers of BJP and BJ menacingly approached against each other after some BJP workers attempted to attack Mr Jeenwala, who publicly protested violation of election code by the BJP. As the situation was going out of hand, police resorted to lathicharge and brought the situation under control, Sub-Divisional Officer Ambaram Patidar said.

Nearly half an hour after the lathicharge, the Chief Minister reached Kasravad and addressed the election meeting.

Byelection in Khargone Lok Sabha constituency is scheduled on December 12 to fill up the vacancy caused due to disqualification of BJP leader Krishna Murari Moghe in office of profit issue. Mr Moghe is again in the fray as BJP nominee.

UNI