Cong workers attempt to storm BJP headquarters Tuesday, May 18 2004 21:08 Hrs (IST)
New Delhi:
As the news of Congress president Sonia Gandhi refusing to accept Prime Ministership spread, hundreds of party workers descended onto the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters in New Delhi in an attempt to storm it, creating a near-clash situation.
Policemen, including anti-riot Rapid Action Force (RAF), were rushed to the BJP office at 11, Ashoka Road when the Congress workers reached there.
Chanting slogans against BJP leaders, particularly Sushma Swaraj, Uma Bharti and Govindacharya, the Congress workers tried to enter the premises to lodge their protest against their opposition to Gandhi becoming the Prime Minister.
Dozens of BJP workers present inside the premises also came out and the situation reached a near-clash situation.
Police personnel intervened and dispersed the crowds within minutes, preventing the situation from worsening.
A police official said security at the BJP headquarters was beefed up after the incident and dozens of policemen and RAF personnel have been stationed there for the time being.