The attempt of Congress leaders and workers to gherao Chief Minister Raman Singh’s residence fell flat on Tuesday here as the policemen prevented them from moving forward by erecting barricades.
“Today’s agitation was to mount pressure on the State government for distributing Rs 300 bonus to paddy farmers, stop the ongoing ration card verification and cancellation drive and to revoke the hike in power tariff,” said Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee (CGPCC) president, Bhupesh Baghel.The State party chief also registered his protest against the Central government’s decision of increasing the petroleum prices from Monday midnight.
However, the tall claims of the PCC to launch an ‘aggressive’ agitation washed out as only about 2500 people gathered for the state-level protest in the city.As per the plan, the Congress leaders and workers gathered at the state party’s headquarters and then took out a march towards the CM’s official residence to ‘gherao.’
A group of party workers led by Raipur City District president, Vikas Upadhyay lifted a motorcycle all the way on their shoulders as a symbol to protest against the hike in petroleum prices. The police deployed in strength had made adequate arrangements to deal with any untoward situation but unlike the expectation, it was rather a peaceful protest.
All India Congress Committee secretary and the in-charge of Chhattisgarh, Bhakt Charandas, ClP leader TS Singhdeo, Member of Parliament from Durg seat, Tamradhwaj Sahu, Karuna Shukla, Dhanendra Shau, Mohammad Akbar and other senior leaders participated in the protest.The senior party leaders and workers, who came in groups, were arrested by the police and were sent to a temporary jail prepared in the stadium situated in front of the Raipur Press Club.
“After making arrest of the protesting people, we presented the matter before the Sub Divisional Officer (SDO), who in turn ordered to release them,” said ASP, Pankaj Chandra.
Meanwhile, the commuters passing through the route of the Congress party’s march to the CM house, including Malviya Road, Jaistambh Chowk, Ghadi Chowk and Subhash Stadium faced inconvenience as the police erected barricades to stop the Congress workers to advance further. As soon as the protestors reached Shastri Chowk, the traffic on this stretch of busy road came to a standstill for about an hour.No roadside eateries outside Motibagh Garden was open for the day due to the protest.