The BJP on Tuesday claimed a large number of its members, including MPs and MLAs, were either detained or arrested during its agitation across Uttar Pradesh.
"Thousands of party workers and leaders including MPs and MLAs were either detained or arrested in different districts of the state during chakka jam, which was a huge success," BJP state general secretary Narendra Singh told reporters here.
BJP's UP chief Surya Pratap Shahi, who led the agitation in Lucknow, claimed at least 1,000 workers were detained in the state capital. He said 1,200 party workers led by MLC Hriday Narain Dixit were arrested from Maurawan in Unnao.
"Overall 2,500 partymen were arrested in Unnao district, whereas 1,400 were arrested in Faizabad district," Singh said.
The state BJP chief said former MLA Sunder Lal Dixit was arrested in Barabanki district and has been sent to jail.
"The Police used batons against the party workers in Bagpath, Agra, Kanpur, Noida and Moradabad and Hathras and in some districts, including Sultanpur, prominent BJP leaders were arrested a night before the agitation," he alleged.
Singh alleged the BSP government in the state used force against BJP leaders and workers who were protesting in a democratic manner.
The chakka jam was observed between 11 am to 1 pm to protest deteriorating law and order situation, alleged corruption in the government and increasing cases of crime against women.