Datia, July 24 (IANS) The BJP accused Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari of threatening the election machinery on Friday after he (Patwari) said that “thik kar dunga” (I will deal with you) to the police and administrative officials if they acted against Congress workers, triggering a political row.
The remark was made during Patwari’s campaign rally in Datia on Thursday. The controversy erupted after a video of his speech surfaced on social media, days before polling for the July 30 Assembly by‑election.
In the viral video, Patwari could be heard saying: “Police and administrative officials should listen carefully. If anyone acts against a Congress worker, remember my name is Jitu Patwari. Elections will take place later, but before that I will settle the matter with you here. The elections must be conducted in a free and fair manner.”
Reacting to the remarks, BJP state media in‑charge Ashish Agarwal alleged that Patwari had threatened officials responsible for conducting the election. He said the language used by the Congress president indicated that the party no longer had faith in democracy or the mandate of the people of Datia. “Has the desperation stemming from a likely defeat in the Datia Assembly by‑election grown to such an extent that threats are now being issued to the police and administration from public platforms?” Agarwal asked.
He alleged that such statements were aimed at putting pressure on officials conducting the election.
The Congress, however, said Patwari’s remarks were made in the context of ensuring a free and fair election and preventing any action against Congress workers. It accused the BJP of taking the statement out of context for political gain.
The political exchange comes with less than a week left for polling in the Datia Assembly by‑election on July 30. The BJP has fielded Ashutosh Tiwari, while the Congress has nominated former MLA Ghanshyam Singh. Counting of votes will be held on August 3.
–IANS
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