Congress, BJP workers clash in Gujarat

Dahod (Guj), Dec 22: Police fired 12 teargas shells to control the situation after supporters of Congress and BJP clashed and set on fire vehicles after the election of president of Dahod district panchayat here was postponed today.

The newly-elected panchayat members met today to elect the president, but the election was postponed after both the parties made claims and counter-claims.

Later, the party workers from both the sides got into heated exchanges and indulged in stone-pelting and rioting. The election was to take place at the district collector's office on the outskirts of Dahod town.

Two cars and a bus were set on fire, Dahod SP Mayanksinh Chavda said. "Police rushed to the spot and fired 12 teargas shells to bring the situation under control," Chavda said, adding the situation was now under control.

In the elections held on November 29, Congress won 26 and BJP won 24 seats at Dahod district panchayat.

But Congress today alleged that BJP government in Gujarat was using its influence to stop Congress from taking control of the panchayat and elect its member as the president.

"We have emerged victorious in Dahod district panchayat, but under the influence of BJP government, district election officers postponed the proceedings and not allowed the election for the president," State Congress chief Bharatsinh Solanki alleged. BJP leaders were not available for comments.

PTI