Congress workers protesting against Advani's 'Yatra' arrested in Bhopal

Bhopal, Oct 16 (ANI): Bhopal Police on Sunday arrested activists of the opposition Congress Party, who were protesting against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) veteran Lal Krishna Advani's ongoing nationwide 'Jan Chetna Yatra'.

Scores of protestors came out on the streets holding black flags and shouted slogans against Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led BJP Government in Madhya Pradesh, as Advani's rally reached the state capital.

Police caned and later detained several protesters.

Terming Advani's rally as a mere campaign stint, Congress leader Manak Agarwal said if he is so concerned about graft, then he should first check the corruption in his party ruling the state.

"Police baton charged us and that is why it is bleeding. Police also misbehaved with women and beat them up. India's thief Lal Krishna Advani, who assumes himself to be the Lord Ram, in real terms he is the demon Ravana of modern India. He is taking out his campaign rally just to show off to the people," said Agarwal.

"If he wants to do an inquiry then he should inquire against Shivraj Singh Chouhan and his cabinet who have spread maximum corruption in this state and country," he added.

Meanwhile, another Congress leader Vibha Patel accusing the administration said despite being a peaceful protest, women were left hurt and injured.

"We were protesting in a very peaceful manner when they stated misbehaving with women, which have also hurt some of them. Ours was just a peaceful protest, we only wanted to convey to Advaniji that first he should clean up corruption from Madhya Pradesh and then talk about other places," she added.

Advani began his 38-day long "Jan Chetna Yatra" from Bihar's Sitabdiara village on Tuesday.

Advani"s journey to take on the UPA Government on the corruption issue and press for return of black money stashed away abroad is going to encompass 23 states, four Union Territories, which will include 100 districts and 7600 kilometres.

During the yatra, Advani would be boarding 14 special aircraft and six helicopters. He has to visit a total of 46 places across the country. The 38-day long yatra will conclude in Delhi on November 20 in the form of a massive rally.

Ostensibly to campaign against corruption, the yatra is seen by many political parties as motivated by the upcoming general elections to be held in 2014. dvani had organised a similar yatra in the 1990"""s, to mobilise support towards building a temple dedicated to Lord Rama in Ayodhya.

In 2004, he had taken out another chariot procession to reiterate the demand to build the Lord Rama temple in Ayodhya. (ANI)