Members of the Bajrang Dal created a ruckus and engaged in vandalism at the Congress office in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, on Thursday. The incident took place in response to the Congress party’s promise to impose a statewide ban on Bajrang Dal if voted to power. A video shared by the news agency ANI showed members of the right-wing group creating commotion and engaging in vandalism inside the party office in Jabalpur.
This comes after the Congress party released its Karnataka election manifesto on Tuesday, promising to take firm action against individuals and organizations spreading hatred based on caste and religion. The manifesto said that the law and Constitution are sacrosanct and cannot be violated by organizations such as Bajrang Dal and PFI, promoting enmity or hatred among communities.
The Congress manifesto read, “We will take decisive action as per law, including imposing a ban on such organizations.” The statement was released by party president Mallikarjun Kharge.
On Wednesday, Bajrang Dal announced that it would organize recitals of ‘Hanuman Chalisa’ across the state on Thursday. The right-wing organization issued a statement saying, “This is the time when ‘Dharma’ is in danger, and standing together is the only way forward. We should set aside our differences and come together to protect dharma, and hold hands together.” The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) also supported the call.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his public meeting in Hospet, Vijayanagara district, on Tuesday, criticized the Congress’s promise of banning Bajrang Dal. He said, “The Congress in its manifesto has decided to lock up Lord Hanuman. Initially, they locked up Prabhu Shri Ram (Lord Ram). And now they want to lock up people who say ‘Jai Bajrang Bali’ (Hail Hanuman).”
The incident has sparked concern among political leaders, with some criticizing the Bajrang Dal for engaging in vandalism and others condemning the Congress’s promise of a state-wide ban. The situation in Jabalpur remains tense, and the local authorities have been urged to take action to maintain peace and order in the area.