A large number of activists from the opposition Congress on Wednesday staged a protest outside the official residence of Madhya Pradesh Minister of State for Urban Development and Housing, Pratima Bagri, in Bhopal, demanding her resignation after police reportedly arrested her brother on charges of smuggling ganja (cannabis).
The protesters gathered outside Pratima Bagri’s residence in the high-security 74-Bungalows government colony and raised slogans such as “Pratima Bagri istifaa do” and “Mohan Yadav sarkar murdabad.” Some Congress workers even smeared black paint on the minister’s nameplate at the main gate.
The police were informed, and a heavy force was rushed to the spot. They dispersed the activists and brought the situation under control.
A couple of days ago, police in Rampur Baghelan, Satna district, arrested two persons in connection with ganja smuggling. One of the accused, Anil Bagri, is said to be Minister Pratima Bagri’s brother. The police confiscated 45 kg of ganja hidden in paddy sacks from Anil’s house.
The minister, however, has denied that Anil is her brother.
The Congress, on the other hand, maintains that Anil is indeed Pratima Bagri’s brother, and the opposition has been continuously staging protests demanding that either Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav sack her or she resign.