Chhattisgarh: Villagers block highway demanding paddy procurement centre
three cops injured in stone-pelting
Gariaband (PTI): Three policemen were injured when an agitation for a paddy procurement centre turned violent in Chhattisgarh's Gariaband district, an official said on Tuesday.
Videos of the incident which went viral showed protestors throwing stones at the police and also targeting government vehicles.
The incident took place on Monday when residents of Kandekala village staged a 'chakka jam' (blockade) on National Highway 130 near Dhurvagudi village, a senior police official said.
The residents of Kandekala had been demanding that a paddy procurement centre currently located in Bhejipadar, two km away, be shifted to their village, he said.
Senior government officials tried to pacify the protesters but suddenly there was stone-pelting, he added.
Some private vehicles which had come to a halt due to the agitation were also damaged. Videos of the incident also showed the protesters overturning a police vehicle.
The policemen injured in stone-pelting were taken to a local hospital and they were said to be out of danger, the official added.
Reinforcement was rushed to the spot and the situation was brought under control, he said.
Earlier, villagers of three nearby villages had submitted a memorandum to the administration stating that they did not have any problem selling paddy at the Bhejipadar centre, the official claimed.
Three First Information Reports (FIRs) were registered against the protestors under sections 147 (rioting), 186 (obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions), 353(assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty), 294 (obscene acts and songs), 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code and also under the Public Property (Prevention of Damage) Act, he said, adding that further investigation is underway.
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Ex-BJP MLA Raghupati Bhat turns rebel, to contest council election independently in Karnataka
Udupi (PTI): Striking a rebellious note, former BJP MLA from Udupi Raghupati Bhat has announced his decision to contest the upcoming MLC elections on June 3 as an independent candidate, representing the South-West Graduates' constituency.
Bhat has expressed his intent to stand as "a representative of party workers in the region".
He had been sulking ever since the BJP denied him a ticket in the 2023 Assembly election and fielded Yashpal Suvarna who won the election.
Bhat had turned emotional in public in 2023 when the BJP did not field him but announced supporting Suvarna.
The rebel BJP leader was expecting an MLC ticket for the Karantaka South West Graduates' constituency and had lobbied hard for it but the party decided to field Dr Dhananjaya Sarji.
Reflecting on his journey, Bhat on Monday highlighted his role in supporting the party candidate during the Assembly elections and securing a significant lead in votes.
The rebel leader expressed disappointment with the party's decision to award the MLC ticket to Dhananjay Sarji, a recent entrant to the party, over deserving senior candidates, including himself.
He was expecting support of 38,000 new voters who he claimed he had previously enrolled.
While reaffirming his allegiance to the BJP, Bhat clarified that his decision to contest independently stemmed from his commitment to the welfare of teachers and graduates.
He acknowledged assurances from senior BJP leaders regarding his candidature but remained resolute in his stance.
With nominations set to be filed on May 16, Bhat asserted that he would not retract his decision despite potential consequences.
Emphasising his respect for the BJP flag and expressing confidence in his victory, he reiterated his dedication to supporting the party even if successful as an independent candidate.
Bhat concluded by expressing hope for reconciliation with the BJP in future elections, affirming his identity as a BJP leader and commitment to serving the interests of his constituents.
