Himachal bypoll: BJP tried to kidnap its own rebel leader, alleges Cong

The Congress here on Thursday alleged that the ruling BJP tried to kidnap its own rebel leader Dayal Pyari to pressure her to withdraw her nomination papers submitted for the Pachhad assembly bypoll.

The statement came after a video suggesting a kidnapping bid went viral here.

In the video, some people are seen pushing her into a car.

On the other hand, the BJP has refuted the charges.

In a statement, Himachal Congress president Kuldeep Rathore alleged that the BJP tried to kidnap the woman leader in an attempt to force her to withdraw her nomination papers against their official candidate Reena Kashyap.

When contacted, Himachal BJP chief Satpal Satti denied the allegations.

"We did not try to kidnap her. Yes, we tried to persuade her to withdraw her papers. It was up to her to take the final call," he said.

Former Sirmour Zila Parishad chairperson Dayal Pyari could not be contacted despite repeated attempts.

Meanwhile, only rebel BJP leader Ashish Sikta withdrew his papers from the Pachhad (SC) seat.

When asked, Satti said, "We persuaded him to withdraw his papers."