Amit Shah

BJP and Aam Aadmi Party workers had a face off on Sunday in Pune while BJP national president Amit Shah was in the city for a programme.

AAP workers had gathered outside a theatre in Pune where the programme was scheduled. Just a day earlier, the AAP workers had celebrated BJP minister Eknath Khadse’s resignation owing to corruption charges.

Mr Shah’s programme was scheduled for 10.30 am at Bal Gadharva Rang Mandir where Congress workers had threatened to conduct a protest. Along with Mr Shah, BJP state president Raosaheb Danve, Pune guardian minister Girish Bapat and local BJP leaders were also present for the programme. The police had taken measures and deployed tight security at the venue.

After the programme got over at around one o’ clock, the BJP workers started streaming out of the hall. AAP workers who were standing near the venue started shouting slogans against BJP and Mr Khadse. BJP workers then marched towards AAP workers and surrounded them, starting sloganeering against AAP. In between, workers from both the parties had a face off.

However, the police immediately intervened and dispersed the workers. The police said the AAP workers had not taken permission for protest.

AAP leader Preeti Sharma Menon had alleged Mr Khadse had received calls from underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. This was one of the allegations that led to Mr Khadse’s resignation. Though the ATS is yet to find anything against Mr Khadse in the case, the former BJP leader was put in a spot as his name was connected to Dawood.

Meanwhile, Mr Shah did not comment on Khadse’s resignation though the minister stepped down after chief minister Devendra Fadnavis submitted a report to the BJP president.