The Delhi Congress on Thursday attempted to torch a 50-foot effigy of a 16-headed Ravan that included the faces of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Members of Parliament elected from Delhi and several AAP Ministers.
The event was, however, cancelled by the Delhi police as the party had allegedly not taken permission to organise the event.
Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken termed the police action “suppression and strangulation” of their democratic right to protest. The effigy burning was aimed at protesting the sealing drive being undertaken in the city.
The Delhi Congress has held the AAP government and the BJP-led Centre responsible for the drive.
“Whether PM or CM, if they work like Ravan, their effigies will be torched,” Mr. Maken told reporters in Shahdara where a large crowd had gathered for the event.
The party leaders alleged that the Delhi police denied permission as it was the PM and CM’s faces on the effigy.
Denying the allegations, the Delhi police said that the event was called off due to lack of permission.
Nyay Yudh convenor Mukesh Sharma said the Congress will respond democratically to the police action and torch effigies in all assembly constituencies in Delhi after October 25.