Ballia, 2 Dec (HS): The district president of the Karni Sena

declared a monetary reward of Rs 5.51 lakh on Tuesday for anyone who chops off

and brings the tongue of Nishad Party national president and cabinet member

Sanjay Nishad for his comment about Ballia, which is said to denigrate the

district's heritage. Congress has also filed a complaint with the Bansdih

Kotwali requesting a FIR against the minister. The uproar started after a video

of Nishad's address at a party workers' gathering in Bansdih went viral on

Saturday.

In the video, the minister is heard saying, Many individuals here were 'dalal'

(agents) of the British. The dalali (brokerage) system survived and continues

to do so. This is why Ballia is still wrecked. Otherwise, Ballia was the 'Baghi

Ballia' (rebellious Ballia), when people drove away the British and emancipated

the country. Opposition parties

and residents harshly criticized the minister's comments, accusing him of

disparaging the district's history and liberation fighters.

Speaking to reporters, Karni Sena district president Kamlesh

Singh denounced the minister's remarks, saying, The comment he made about

Ballia reflects his sick mentality.

Ballia’s Mangal Pandey blew the horn of revolution. I would pay a prize of Rs 5,51,000 to anyone

who chops off and brings his (Nishad’s) tongue, Singh stated. On Monday, a

symbolic burial procession of the minister was organized by Congress workers in

Ballia.

Congress district president

Umashankar Pathak told reporters on Tuesday, We buried the minister's effigy

in Ballia city yesterday. Since no action was taken even 72 hours following his

statement, I have filed a complaint with Bansdih Kotwali, requesting that a

case be filed against him. There was no quick comment from the minister or the

Nishad Party to the happenings.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi