Bhopal: Gopal Bhargava, the BJP candidate from Rehli and an eight-time MLA from the constituency, expressed concerns about his safety on Sunday, alleging that police had discovered arms and ammunition in the vehicles of the Congress candidate, intended for an attack on him. Earlier in the day, Congress candidate Jyoti Patel had accused Bhargava of attempting to harm her. The day witnessed a mutual exchange of accusations between the BJP and Congress candidates regarding alleged plots to cause harm.
The hostility between the rival candidates escalated when supporters of the Congress candidate reportedly clashed with locals at Gunjora trisection. Following the polling on Friday evening, a large number of BJP supporters allegedly gathered at Jyoti Patel’s residence, throwing stones and firing shots. A video of the incident circulated on social media, depicting individuals, including women, breaking the windows of vehicles.
Lokesh Kumar, Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP), confirmed that Jyoti Patel filed a complaint accusing Bhargava. In response, the police have registered a case against 70-80 individuals, and investigations are underway regarding the alleged presence of arms in Patel’s vehicles. Legal actions are being pursued in accordance with the unfolding situation, he added.
