Ahead of the second phase of Gujarat Assembly polls Congress sitting MLA Kanti Kharadi from Scheduled Tribes has alleged that Ladhu Parghi, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate has assaulted him.
Talking to the media Kharadi said, “I was going to my voters. BJP candidate Ladhu Parghi along with L K Barad and his brother Vadan Ji were amongst those who attacked us. They were carrying weapons with them and attacked me with swords.”
Kharadi said, “Our vehicles were going through Bamodara four-way, then the BJP candidate blocked our way after that we decided to return, then more people came and attacked us on that side.’
“Whatever happened is unfortunate. I was going to my area as there’s an election. I saw that the atmosphere was heated there so I decided to escape,” Kharadi said.
Meanwhile, Danta seat in Banaskantha district in North Gujarat Kanti Kharadi is contesting the election from BJP Ladhubhai Parghi.
“While our car was returning, some cars chased us. BJP candidate (from Danta constituency) Latu Parghi & 2 others came with weapons, with swords. We thought we must escape, we ran for 10-15 km & for 2 hours we were in the jungle,” Congress candidate Kharadi said.
Taking to Twitter Congress MP Rahul Gandhi tweeted, “Congress tribal leader and Danta Assembly candidate, Kantibhai Kharadi was brutally attacked by BJP goons and is now missing.”
Moreover, in the second and final phase of 92 seats, the voting will take place on Monday. Kharadi said to save his life from the “BJP goon” about 15 km he ran.
Kharadi also accused Election Commission officers of not taking his letter seriously and said, “I had written a letter four days back but no action has been taken. If the Commission had taken action, this attack would not have happened.”
However, for ten years Kharadi has been a Congress MLA and claimed that BJP leaders also warned him not to come to campaign in the area.
“They did so because a large number of people gathered in Danta in support of the Congress,” Kharadi said.
Further investigation into the matter is underway.
Congress working president and in charge of Banaskantha district for the party, Jignesh Mevani on Sunday claimed that fearing the party’s defeat BJP goons attacked Kharadi.
Taking to Twitter Mevani tweeted, “Congress candidate Kantibhai Kharadi from Danta constituency in Banaskantha has been attacked by the goons of BJP -a night before polling fearing their defeat. Is this how free and fair elections would be conducted.”
Mevani further stated, “Attack on Congress MLA from Danta constituency Kantibhai Kharadi by BJP candidate and his goons. An attempt was made to kill him while intercepting his four-wheeler. The vehicle has turned turtle. Still, Kantibhai Kharadi is missing.”
Furthermore, Mevani shared the letter written to the Election Commission by the Kharadi regarding the apprehension of the attack.
