Odisha Congress workers engage in fistfight, two injured

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhadrak, Jul 14:

Two factions of Odisha’s Bhadrak district Congress today engaged in a fistfight over their political differences during a party meeting in the town leaving two injured.

While the incident occurred in presence of PCC President Prasad Harichandan and state in-charge BK Hariprasad, both issued statements that differed from each other. While Hariprasad denied the incident, Harichandan admitted to violence but ruled out involvement of any Congress worker in the incident.

“There has been no scuffle in here. Everyone has a right to speak in a democracy,” said Hariprasad.

“No one has attacked the Congress workers. Few people from other parties were engaged in disruptive activities,” said Harichandan.

However, more than one member of Congress, on conditions of anonymity, confirmed that rivals groups of the party were engaged in the group clash.

“Both groups are members of Congress. The incident occurred today during a panchayat members’ meeting at the Town Hall. While a faction of Congress workers started shouting slogans and displayed placards that called BK Hariprasad a “ticket seller” and asked him to “go back”, the other faction turned violent and started arguments that soon led to the scuffle,” said a leader from the district unit of the party.

“Both groups were seen trying to rough each other up and the group favouring BK Hariprasad was seen trying to push the other group out of the meeting hall. The scuffle continued outside the hall until police reached the spot and whisked away the agitators. The meeting continued as usual after they were taken away,” he added.