The Gujarat Congress on Monday slammed the state government over the recent police action against the villagers in Kheda and Ahmedabad districts, saying the BJP-led dispensation was worse than erstwhile British colonial rulers.

The party also warned that it will not hestitate to take any steps necessary for the safety of the people if the police continues its atrocities on poor villagers by firing bullets and tear gas shells or arresting them in false cases.

Leader of Opposition in the Gujarat Assembly Shankersinh Vaghela today held a meeting of local Congress leaders and villagers at Chandiyel village to show solidarity with the locals of surrounding areas, who are afraid due to rumours that robbers and terrorists have entered their area.

Referring to recent incidents where panic-stricken villagers thrashed some suspects followed by clashes with the police, Vaghela stated that the police used excessive force after these incidents in Kheda and in Ahmedabad districts.

"In Kuha village of Ahmedabad district, police arrested more than 35 villagers, while 18 rounds were fired in Apruji-na-Muvada village of Kheda district. I have learned that teargas shells were also fired. Poor villagers are being targeted by this government, which is supposed to protect them," Vaghela said during his speech.

"Instead of protecting villagers, police is firing at them. I think that the BJP-led government is worse than the British. When I visited Apruji-na-Muvada village in Kheda, I found that all locals have fled the village fearing police atrocities," Vaghela said.

He announced formation of a "self defence committee" to protect villagers who still believe that gangs may attack them at night and assured them that Congress party and it's workers were with them.

"Simultaneously, I also wish to warn the government that we will not hestitate to take any step necessary for the safety of the people if the police continues its atrocities on poor villagers by firing bullets and tear gas shells at them or arresting them in false cases," Vaghela said.