india

Updated: Jun 24, 2017 13:59 IST

The ruling party in Madhya Pradesh is accused of writing “my house belongs to BJP” on the walls of several homes in the Shahpura locality of the capital city, allegedly after a failed membership drive.

The neighbourhood of around 4,000 people is considered a Congress stronghold and is one of the oldest in the city. The slogan was allegedly painted without permission of the homeowners.

“The nameplate in my house clearly mentions my name and post in the Congress … still they wrote the slogan on my wall. Two weeks ago they came for a membership drive. When people didn’t show interest, they wrote slogans in revenge,” said Bhopal district Congress general secretary Pyare Khan on Thursday.

The BJP dismissed the allegation, saying the slogans and posters were part of the publicity for the membership drive.

“We have not forced anybody … the slogan was painted randomly for advertisement and not to take revenge,” said BJP corporator Sushma Babees, who led the membership drive.

BJP legislator Surendra Nath Singh clarified that the drive was held across the nation and writing slogans and pasting posters are part of it. “If it causes trouble for people, I will look into it.”

The party’s response failed to calm frayed nerves in the locality.

Local Congress leader Ashok Sharma said: “When they were writing on my wall, my family objected. But they didn’t listen.”

Congress leaders said they would lodge complaints with the Election Commission and police for “forcing” people to become BJP members.

“The BJP leaders and workers are acting like goons and we won’t allow them to create problems for people,” district Congress president PC Sharma said.

Residents are worried the message could create problems for them.

“I am a government employee and if somebody lodges a complaint accusing me of being a political party’s supporter, disciplinary action could be taken against me,” said a man who didn’t wish to be named.