Patna: Police resorted to a mild lathicharge to stop the ‘Vidhan Sabha march’ launched by the Jan Suraaj on Wednesday. The march was led by party founder Prashant Kishor. Around six party functionaries were injured in the police action. The party workers, led by Kishor, started the march to gherao the state assembly over three key issues: Non-payment of Rs 2 lakh to poor families despite the govt’s announcement, non-grant of three dismal land to the landless poor and alleged corruption in the land survey.As the protesters tried to enter the prohibited zone despite repeated appeals by the district administration, the police later resorted to a mild lathicharge, leaving some functionaries wounded. “No gathering is allowed in the restricted area. So when we noticed a crowd approaching, we tried to stop them, and in the process, there was a mild use of force,” Patna (Central) SP Diksha told the reporters.Kishor threatened to lay a siege to the residence of the CM. “Why did you use force against our protesting workers? If you don’t mend your ways, we will lay a siege to the CM’s house,” Kishor said.He said for two months, they sought an appointment with representatives of the govt to highlight these issues. “Now, left with no choice, when we hit the streets, I am being told that the chief secretary is ready to meet a delegation comprising five members only,” he said.
