A war of words broke out in Haryana polling station on Saturday after a woman Congress leader was 'abused' on stage during an event. The incident has led to strong calls for action within the party, with the BJP making fun of the opposition party. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nayab Saini said his government would take strict action if any application was made to his government.
“I spoke to her, she told me someone touched her and tried to remove her from the stage. We also saw the same thing in the video and when I confirmed this to her, she told me that someone had misbehaved with her. For something like that to happen to a woman today is highly reprehensible. Action must be taken on this,” Seljatold reporters said on Saturday.
The developments came even as voters in Haryana cast their votes on Saturday. Voter turnout stood at 61% in the state as of 5 p.m.
However, the woman alleged that “mischievous elements” created fake IDs with her name and made comments against her uncle and Congress candidate Jassi Petwar.
“Please don't use my name. I am fully with Congress. You can see that I was standing right next to my uncle Jassi Petwar. I stand by him and support him,” she said in a video message.
A video of the incident was first shared on social media by the BJP and allegedly showed a woman farmer leader being abused at the event. The ruling party had lashed out at the Congress, terming it 'anti-women'.
“They respect no one, including women, poor and Dalits. This is in their culture and DNA. If we receive any inquiry in this regard, we will take action. Our government will take strict action and spare no one. Women are an integral part of society,” CM Saini told ANI.
(With input from agencies)