By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Haridwar, 3 Mar: A heated confrontation broke out between BJP office-bearers and the police at the Gurukul helipad here today, shortly before the arrival of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. It may be noted here that Dhami was visiting Haridwar and specifically Bairagi Camp here to review preparations for the scheduled visit of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Before his arrival at Bairagi Camp, several BJP leaders expressed their outrage after being barred from entering the security cordon. Although senior officials eventually intervened to pacify the situation as the dispute escalated, angry party leaders lodged a formal complaint with the CM right at the helipad. They alleged that officials consistently display indecent behaviour towards them during such visits. A video of the incident has since gone viral on social media, showing several individuals expressing their resentment.
The incident occurred during CM Dhami’s visit to Haridwar today to inspect preparations at Bairagi Camp for the proposed programme of Home Minister Amit Shah. As the alert for the CM’s helicopter was issued, the security personnel established a security perimeter using ropes. During this time, those with the rank of Minister of State, Om Prakash Jamdagni and Sunil Saini, BJP District General Secretary Sanjeev Chaudhary, BJP District General Secretary Heera Singh Bisht, and District Vice President Ashu Chaudhary, along with several workers, attempted to enter the restricted area. However, citing security protocol, personnel stopped Om Prakash Jamdagni and Sunil Saini from proceeding further.
Infuriated by the restriction preventing them from welcoming the Chief Minister, Om Prakash Jamdagni created a stir and stood in protest at the Gurukul ground. Seeing his reaction, other leaders joined him in solidarity. Jamdagni accused SP City Abhay Pratap Singh of indecent behaviour. Witnessing the commotion, Secretary of the Haridwar Roorkee Development Authority (HRDA) Manish Singh approached the leaders to mollify them.
Despite the landing of the CM’s helicopter amidst the uproar, Om Prakash Jamdagni insisted on an apology from the SP City. Other senior officials eventually managed to persuade the angry leaders and escorted them to meet the CM. Upon reaching the CM, the leaders immediately complained about the administrative officials, stating that whenever they arrive at the helipad to welcome the CM, they are repeatedly blocked by the authorities.
The entire sequence of events was captured on camera by onlookers and videos are currently viral on various social media platforms. Commenting on the matter, BJP District General Secretary Sanjeev Chaudhary stated that they are stopped from meeting the CM during every visit and that workers are subjected to indecent behaviour. He also asserted that officials should refrain from such conduct.
