BJP workers protest over removal of puja pandal by EC

BJP workers and city BJYM chief Mohit Kamboj today protested outside the Kurar police station in suburban Malad over the Election Commission's action of removing a pandal raised for a religious event, and alleged that local Shiv Sena MLA Sunil Prabhu was behind the act.

Prabhu, however, said he had no connection with the incident and it was an attempt to "defame" him.

A flying squad of the EC this morning removed the pandal raised by Mohit Kamboj, the city unit president of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), the youth wing of BJP, for 'satyanarayan mahapuja' event scheduled tomorrow. The pandal was erected on a private land next to Buva Salvi ground in Kurar.
 

When Kamboj learnt about the action, he went to the site along with the party workers and sat on a 'dharna' there seeking action against the "erring staff". Kamboj and his supporters alleged that Sena MLA Sunil Prabhu was behind the act and sought action against him.

Police took Kamboj to Kurar police station, where he again sat on a 'dharna' to protest against the action. But, some time later they left the place after giving a written complaint to the police.

In a statement issued later, the BJYM leader said, "Mohit Kamboj Foundation had raised the pandal only after getting due permissions from the police and civic body. Then how come the pandal was demolished without giving any reason or notice. I have sought stern action the officials concerned, who buckeld under Prabhu's pressure and demolished the structure."

Senior police officials, including Kirankumar Chavan, DCP Zone -12, visited the police station.

"BJP workers gave a written complaint to us. We have forwarded it to the returning officer," Chavan said.

"All the protesters later left the police station. The situation is normal," he added.

Kamboj said they plan to carry on with their scheduled puja event tomorrow at the same place.

When contacted, Prabhu said, "I have no relation with this incident. This is only a ploy being used for political gains and to defame me. If he has given some complaint, he should show it."

"This stunt was aimed at igniting the sentiments of people, as BMC polls are round the corner. But he should know that such gimmicks do not change the mindset of people," Prabhu said.