Congress Seeks Parity Over Religious Ceremonies Within Bhopal Police Stations

Congress leaders in Madhya Pradesh have demanded action against a BJP worker for organizing a Sunderkand Path in a police station. They have also sought similar permission for a Congress worker's birthday. Police officials have been given two days to investigate the matter.

Former Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh and state Congress chief Jitu Patwari have raised a complaint with Bhopal's Commissioner of Police regarding a BJP worker conducting a Sunderkand Path inside a police station. The Congress leaders have demanded action, alleging a violation of service rules.

Following the complaint, the Congress party also requested permission to conduct a Sunderkand Path in TT Nagar police station on a Congress worker's birthday. Patwari stated that the Commissioner asked for two days to investigate and promised to decide on their next steps if no action is taken.

Patwari criticized police employees for repeatedly breaking service rules, asserting that swift action should have already been taken, including removing the police station in charge (TI). The party demanded either strict adherence to service rules or permission to conduct their own religious ceremonies in police stations.

Commissioner Harinarayanchari Mishra acknowledged receiving the Congress delegation's memorandum and mentioned the issuance of a show-cause notice to the police station in charge. He clarified that while some stations have shrines, private events should not be allowed without proper permission.

On Thursday, Congress leaders including Singh, Patwari, and Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar were barred from entering the Ashoka Garden police station due to the ongoing Sunderkand Path. Congress leader PC Sharma has since formally requested to hold a similar event in TT Nagar police station for a Congress worker's birthday.

Sharma's letter emphasized wanting equal treatment, referencing the earlier permission given to the BJP worker. The Congress party is pushing for fairness in allowing such religious events within police premises.