Chandigarh, Oct 17 (IANS) Congress leaders and workers in Punjab on Monday burnt effigies of 'chitta' Ravana -- on which pictures of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and other Akali leaders were pasted -- to highlight the state's drug menace and those behind the illegal trade.
'Chitta' is a colloquial term used for synthetic drugs in Punjab and 'Ravana' refers to people running the trade.
The protesters accused the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal leaders of patronising the drugs trade in the border state.
Apart from Badal, the pictures of Deputy Chief Minister and Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Badal and Revenue Minister and Sukhbir's brother-in-law Bikram Singh Majithia were pasted on the effigies.
Senior Congress leaders set the effigies on fire at various locations across Punjab.
Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh was present at one such protest in Baghapurana in Moga district during a roadshow in support of Punjab farmers.
Amarinder is scheduled to set 'chitta' Ravana effigy afire in Ludhiana on Tuesday during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit for an event of medium and small enterprises.
The effigy will be set on fire at the same ground where Congress workers were allegedly attacked by Akali activists in police presence on Dussehra eve.
"As soon as Modi starts speaking, the 'chitta' Ravana will go up in flames," Amarinder Singh said.
"I will set the effigy on fire; let them try and stop me if they can," the Congress leader said.
"I want to show the Prime Minister what kind of goondas he is supporting," he added.
