Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh concluded his sit-in protest outside the Khajuraho police station in Madhya Pradesh, marking the end of his demonstration against the death of a party worker during the assembly polls held on November 17. The Congress worker, Salman Khan, was tragically run over by a car during a clash with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) functionaries in the Rajnagar assembly seat.
Singh initiated the protest on Saturday along with Alok Cahturvedi and Vikram Singh, party MLAs. They spent the night in a tent outside the police station as a symbol of their determination. The state BJP president, V D Sharma, filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI), accusing the police of bias and alleging that Khan was murdered by Congress candidate Vikram Singh Nati Raja to influence the elections.
Singh expressed disappointment in the lack of progress in the case, stating that although a murder case had been registered against twenty individuals, no arrests had been made, and the vehicle involved in the incident had not been seized. He criticized the state’s BJP government, claiming that if it were anyone else, prompt action would have been taken. Singh emphasized that the BJP leaders and government officials were attempting to have the case against Pateria withdrawn, but he vowed to prevent it, asserting that it was not an accident but a deliberate murder.
Meanwhile, MP BJP chief V D Sharma led a delegation to the ECI, accusing the police of bias in favor of Vikram Singh and submitting a memorandum that alleged the police officials had a Congress mentality. Sharma claimed that despite a complaint lodged by Pateria, who was allegedly attacked by Vikram Singh and his supporters, no action had been taken. He further alleged that under pressure from the Congress, the police had charged thirty-five individuals, including twenty BJP workers, with murder without conducting a proper investigation.
Responding to these developments, Superintendent of Police Amit Sanghi assured elected representatives and the deceased’s family that proper action would be taken in the case. Khan’s father, Harun Khan, confirmed that the sit-in had been withdrawn following the SP’s assurance. However, Digvijaya Singh emphasized the need for strict action against the accused. He warned that if necessary, the protest would be staged again.
The sit-in protest has generated considerable attention and highlighted the ongoing tensions between the Congress and BJP in the state. As the case proceeds, the political ramifications will likely persist, affecting the dynamics leading up to future elections. The demand for justice and transparency will undoubtedly continue to be a focal point for both parties.
