Cong slams UP govt over 'manhandling' of Priyanka Gandhi, demands President's rule

Congress on Saturday slammed Uttar Pradesh government over police "manhandling" party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in Luckw and demanded imposition of President's Rule in state which it alleged was "functioning like a banana republic". Addressing a press conference here, Congress leader Sushmita Dev said Priyanka Gandhi was acting as a responsible leader without disturbing peace.

Congress leader "didn't violate Section 144 but even n she was manhandled by police", Dev said, alleging "re is complete goonda raj and re should be President's Rule in state". alleged incident occurred when Priyanka Gandhi was heading to residence of retired IPS officer SR Darapuri, who was arrested in connection with recent anti-CAA protests.

Congress general secretary claimed that police tried to stop her, she was surrounded, held by throat by a female cop and pushed by ar as she was walking towards Darapuri's residence in Indiranagar's sector 18.

"Let me state it categorically, Uttar Pradesh police physically manhandled Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Police officers pushed her around her neck in a manner that she fell down. I want to ask Ajay Bisht Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh what type of government does he think he is running state," Dev said.

Wondering if this was a 'government of people and for people' in Uttar Pradesh, Dev said, "it is Ajay Bisht's goonda raj going on in Uttar Pradesh."

"Like any or responsible political leader in country, she felt it was her duty to meet families of those who were brutally treated and terrorised by Uttar Pradesh police," Dev said. Priyanka was on her way to meet former IPS officer Darapuri's family, Dev said, claiming that she was suddenly stopped by state police who obstructed her car in a manner that could have turned into an accident.

" Uttar Pradesh has unfolded mayhem over last few days against those who have been protesting against this unconstitutional law. state is functioning like a banana republic. All civil liberties are violated. Congress party stands with all protesting against this unconstitutional law," Dev said. Dev furr said such incidents cant deter Priyanka and she will continue visiting state without violating any law.