Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s padyatra seems to be heading for trouble on the second day with the Aligarh district officials saying that it
would be a violation of prohibitory orders that have been in force for the past 20 days in the district.
SSP Aligarh Satyendra Vir Singh said, “Section 144 CrPC is in force all over the district since June 12 and in this background Rahul Gandhi's
padyatra will be a clear violation.”
He said that the Congress party had secured permission for its Kisan Maha Panchayat, scheduled for July 9, but no permission has been taken for the
padyatra.
The SSP further said that the district authorities have communicated to the Special Protection Group that Mr Rahul Gandhi's padyatra in Aligarh
would be considered as a violation of Section 144 CrPC.
He clarified that if there was any apprehension of law and order problem, the authorities may prevent the Congress MP’s entry into the district.
“All our options are open in this matter and we are monitoring the situation carefully,” he said. A heavy deployment of police force was evident in
Aligarh on Wednesday, ostensibly to prevent any congregation of people during the padyatra.
Mr Gandhi, meanwhile, halted at Siyarol village on the border of Aligarh district on Wednesday and is expected to enter the district on Thursday.
The Aligarh district administration’s latest order is seen as a clear attempt by chief minister Mayawati to prevent the Rahul Gandhi from
continuing with his padyatra.
Earlier on Wednesday, Mr Gandhi, resumed his padyatra after an overnight halt at Rampur Bangar village.