Over 1.5 lakh BJP workers court arrest in MP

Bhopal, June 9 (UNI) More than 1.25 lakh BJP workers, including former Union Ministers and party MPs, courted arrest today during a statewide agitation 'Satyagrah' and 'Jail Bharo' campaign in Madhya Pradesh to protest against steep hike in petroleum prices and soaring inflation.

More than 6,000 party workers led by BJP Vice-President Vikram Verma and party MP Kailash Joshi courted arrest in the state capital.

Mr Verma said condition of poor, farmers and common man was deteriorating constantly due to rising inflation.

Pointing out that inflation was completely under control during the rule of previous NDA Government, he said the Congress-led UPA Government has made it difficult for people to have two square meals a day.

He said the Congress would have to pay heavy price for this in the next general elections.

According to reports received from Gwalior, more than 5,000 party workers led by party MP Prabhat Jha courted arrest in the citadel town. Mr Jha told a public meeting that not being able to control inflation reflected the Centre's inability.

He said the Congress had no right to remain in power. He warned that the BJP would intensify its agitation if petroleum prices were not reduced.

In Jabalpur, party workers chanted slogans in the presence of Vidhan Sabha Speaker Ishwardas Rohani and MP Rakesh Singh. Party leaders including Mr Rohani and some other ministers courted arrest.

According to reports from Indore, Sagar, Rewa, Morena and other districts, 'Jail Bharo' campaign was quite successful.

UNI PKJ-PS 1948