Scuffle between IAC activists, Congressmen at Farrukhabad

Minor scuffles among Indian Against Corruption, Bhartiya Kisan Union and Congress members took place in the district on Thursday afternoon as supporters of External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid and activist Arvind Kejriwal continued their protests against each other.

The police chased away the protesters and there was no report of anyone getting injured, sources said.

Congressmen, who had been holding 'havan-puja' before the Block office near the Avas Vikas tri-section since morning also set ablaze Kejriwal's effigy.

The route of IAC activist Kejriwal, arriving from Lucknow by road, was changed keeping in mind the protests but as soon as the Congressmen came to know of it they rushed towards Lohia Park - the rally venue - forcing police to push them back.

Kejriwal was reportedly shown black flags at Malikpur about 30-kms from Farrukhabad in Kannauj district after which the route was changed, police sources said.

Earlier, the Congress activists and BKU members, who had vowed to thwart any attempt to harm Kejriwal during his visit to the district, were also involved in a minor scuffle at the Avas Vikas tri-section.

About 100 to 150 Congressmen donning black bands and handkerchief to register their protest against the IAC and BKU activists came face-to-face outside the block office, police said.

After raising slogans against each other they had a minor skirmish though no one was injured in the incident, police said adding, they proceeded their respective ways thereafter.

Kejriwal had earlier announced to hold a protest against Khurshid in his home constituency at Farrukhabad on November 1.

Referring to Kejriwal's threat to stage a protest, the senior Congress leader had said, "Let them come and visit Farrukhabad. But let him also return from Farrukhabad."