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Bilaspur Congress Protest: Congress’s ‘Hallabol Movement’ in Bilaspur turned into a clash with the police, under the leadership of Vijay Kesharwani, there were protests against the BJP government on roads, electricity bills, paddy procurement.
Report: Umesh Maurya
Bilaspur News: Congress Party’s ‘Hallabol Movement’ took a violent turn in Bilaspur, the judicial court of Chhattisgarh, on Thursday. The scuffle between the police and the protesters in an attempt to surround the Collectorate office created tension in the entire area. As the situation worsened, the police resorted to Vajra Vahan (water cannon), due to which the peaceful march that started from Nehru Chowk turned into a violent confrontation. There were minor injuries on both sides, but no serious incident occurred.
The demonstration started at around 12 noon from Nehru Chowk, where hundreds of Congress workers gathered. They proceeded towards the Collectorate raising slogans, demanding that the BJP government take immediate action against the anti-people policies. The main issues were the poor condition of the city’s roads, which are full of potholes after the rains; Alleged loot in electricity bills, where earlier during Congress rule, 400 units were available free, now the burden on consumers is increasing. Disorganization in paddy procurement, farmers not getting fair price and stopping the registration process, which is troubling the common man.
attempt to break the barricade
Congress District President Vijay Kesharwani led the way. He said, “The BJP government is exploiting the people of Bilaspur. There is an outcry over electricity bills, roads are broken and farmers are upset. If our demands are not met, the movement will intensify.” The protesters tried to break the barricades, in response to which the police issued warnings. Then water cannons were fired from the Vajra vehicle, due to which the workers retreated but continued raising slogans.
the situation remained tense
Police deployed heavy security force to control the situation. The SP said that there were instructions to keep the demonstration peaceful, but action was necessary against violence. Tension continued outside the collector premises. Calling it a ‘people’s rights movement’, Congress has warned of statewide protests.
