Anti-Congress protest turns violent; BJP MLA turns his ire on horse, draws flak

According to media reports, the rally suddenly turned violent and in the commotion the MLA targeted the horse as others also joined in.

Dehradun: A local BJP MLA on Monday attacked a police horse during a protest march here against the policies of the state government, drawing sharp criticisms from various quarters, including Chief Minister Harish Rawat.

“You are using lathi on a horse? I think the word 'tolerance' is not there in the dictionary of BJP,” Rawat said.

According to media reports, the rally suddenly turned violent and in the commotion BJP MLA Ganesh Joshi targeted the horse as others also joined in.

The injured horse was later taken to a veterinary hospital for treatment.

Rejecting the allegations labelled against him, Joshi said, “The horse wasn't given any water throughout the day. As soon as some water was given to the horse he was fine, he was just thirsty. I am not at fault at all.” 

“CM has given orders to call experts, they will arrive tomorrow. X rays will be done,” Dr. RS Negi, chief veterinary officer, said after examining the horse.

“The metatarsal bone of the horse's left leg has broken,” Negi said, adding “It is a compound fracture. First aid given and mobilisation devices used for his leg.” 

Dehradun SSP Sadanand Date said that a case has been registered against the BJP MLA and some others.  

Meanwhile, the incident has sparked a war of words between the Congress and BJP in the state.