3 hrs ago
Clash and Protest Disrupt UP Congress Leadership Swearing-In
The Congress party in Uttar Pradesh held a ceremony for its new leaders in Lucknow.
During the event, supporters of outgoing leader Ajay Rai and new president Aradhana Mishra Mona had a clash.
Reports say people argued, pushed and shoved, and some threw shoes or slippers.
The trouble reportedly began after Rai and party leader Mamta Chaudhary disagreed.
Rai said he had been mistreated and staged a protest outside or at the office.
He spoke with Rahul Gandhi by phone and did not attend the planned press conference.
Senior leaders tried to calm the situation.
Reports differ about whether and when Rai returned to the office.
Mishra also spoke about protecting democracy and the Constitution.
Supporters of outgoing president Ajay Rai and newly appointed president Aradhana Mishra Mona clashed during Sunday's ceremony at the Uttar Pradesh Congress headquarters in Lucknow.
Reports describe heated exchanges, pushing and shoving, and shoes or slippers being thrown; the disturbance lasted about half an hour.
Accounts say a disagreement between Rai and party leader Mamta Chaudhary preceded the confrontation; Rai alleged he had been mistreated.
Rai staged a sit-in or protest, spoke with Rahul Gandhi by phone, and did not attend the scheduled press conference; reports differ on when he returned inside.
Senior leaders Pramod Tiwari and Imran Masood intervened; the BJP criticized Congress over the incident, while Mishra spoke about protecting democracy and the Constitution.
- Who
- Supporters of outgoing Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai and newly appointed president Aradhana Mishra Mona; party leaders Mamta Chaudhary, Imran Masood and Pramod Tiwari were also involved.
- What
- A clash and protest disrupted a ceremony marking the new state leadership taking charge.
- Where
- Uttar Pradesh Congress headquarters in Lucknow.
- When
- Sunday; the articles do not specify the date.
- Why
- Reports say a disagreement between Ajay Rai and Mamta Chaudhary preceded the clash; Rai alleged he had been mistreated.
Rai and his supporters
Other accounts and party responses
Alleged treatment of Rai
Rai and his supporters
Rai alleged that he had been abused or mistreated; his supporters reportedly sought an apology and Chaudhary's removal.
Other accounts and party responses
The reports describe a disagreement and subsequent intervention by party leaders, but do not include a response from Chaudhary to Rai's allegation.
Claims about treatment of women
Rai and his supporters
Some people alleged that women were treated indecently during the altercation.
Other accounts and party responses
The allegation was not independently verified in the reporting.
Political reaction
Rai and his supporters
Rai's supporters objected to the incident, and Rai staged a protest.
Other accounts and party responses
The Uttar Pradesh BJP mocked Congress over the clash; Mishra used her remarks to emphasize protecting democracy and the Constitution.
Key facts
- Occasion
- Ceremony for the new Uttar Pradesh Congress leadership
- New state president
- Aradhana Mishra Mona
- Working president
- Imran Masood
- Outgoing state president
- Ajay Rai
- Reported duration
- Around 30 minutes
- Reported conduct
- Heated exchanges, pushing and shoving, scuffles, and shoes or slippers reportedly thrown
- Rai's response
- He staged a protest, alleged mistreatment, spoke with Rahul Gandhi by phone, and did not attend the scheduled press conference
- Unverified allegation
- Claims that women were treated indecently were not independently verified
Quotes
Mamta Chaudhary
Congress leader and local councillor involved in the dispute.
“The party has placed its trust in me. We strive to live up to that trust. We will definitely bring about change in Uttar Pradesh and strengthen the UP Congress. The All India Alliance will contest the elections strongly.”
thestatesman.com
“I don’t want to see your face, go away.”
thestatesman.com
Sources
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