Jat stir: Haryana Finance Minister Abhimanyu questions Sonia, Rahul Gandhi for silence on violence

Chandigarh: Haryana Finance Minister Abhimanyu on Thursday questioned the "silence" of Congress president Sonia Gandhi and vice president Rahul Gandhi on the violence during the Jat agitation in the state in February.

"I want to ask why Rahul Gandhi, who has a habit of spot visits after any small happening, remained mum when Haryana was burning," Abhimanyu told the media here.

He also questioned Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Haryana Congress president Ashok Tanwar and former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda as to "why they remained silent on the Congress role" during the agitation by Jats who were demanding quota in government jobs and educational institutions.

He said that arson at his house, and other places in Rohtak were a "political conspiracy", adding that evidence emerging from investigation clearly indicated to a political link behind the violence.

"Those who have come under the scanner have direct relation with a group within that political party (Congress)," Abhimanyu said.

Asked about his (minister's) photographs with Sandeep Kalkal who is accused of violence, Abhimanyu said Kalkal was closely linked to Congress politicians and his family members benefitted during Bhupinder Singh Hooda's government.

The minister indicated that more violence took place in areas where Congress leaders had good influence.