A formal event to mark Aradhana Misra taking charge of the Uttar Pradesh Congress unit was marred by a violent clash in Lucknow on Sunday. The incident, which involved the exchange of abuses and the hurling of shoes, occurred at the party’s headquarters shortly before Misra and newly appointed working president Imran Masood were scheduled to assume their roles.
According to party leaders present at the scene, the confrontation began when the outgoing state president, Ajay Rai, arrived at the office accompanied by his supporters. The premises were already crowded, with workers and supporters of Central Zone Mahila Congress president Mamta Chaudhary gathered inside. As corridors became congested, the situation escalated into a physical scuffle.
Mamta Chaudhary alleged that women workers from her team were manhandled, slapped, and subjected to abusive language by individuals accompanying Rai. Chaudhary stated that her workers had not instigated the confrontation. Videos of the altercation were subsequently circulated on social media platforms, capturing elements of the chaos that unfolded during the transition event.
Misra and other senior party officials intervened to calm the situation, allowing the charge-taking ceremony to eventually conclude. Following the incident, Rai departed the headquarters. He later expressed his expectation that the party leadership would take action regarding the disrespect shown toward senior party members during the event. Efforts to reach Rai for further comment regarding the specific allegations made against his supporters were unsuccessful. Misra was not present in the immediate vicinity when the initial clash broke out.
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