The internal tensions within the Uttar Pradesh Congress have come into focus following a confrontation between supporters of former state president Ajay Rai and Congress women’s wing chief Mamta Chaudhary at the party headquarters in Lucknow.
The incident took place on October 11, during the programme marking the assumption of charge by newly appointed Uttar Pradesh Congress president Aradhana Mishra ‘Mona’ and working president Imran Masood. What was intended to mark a leadership transition was disrupted by a heated exchange between rival groups of party workers
According to media reports, the confrontation began when Ajay Rai’s supporters asked people near the entrance to make way for him. The disagreement escalated into a verbal altercation, followed by pushing and shoving between the two groups.
Reports also described shoes and slippers being brandished or thrown during the commotion. The incident disrupted the leadership transition programme and delayed the new state president’s first press conference.
Following the confrontation, Mamta Chaudhary accused Ajay Rai of abusing and threatening her. She also alleged that women workers accompanying her were threatened and manhandled by Rai’s supporters.
Chaudhary subsequently levelled an anti-Dalit allegation against Rai. These are allegations attributed to Chaudhary and should not be treated as independently established findings
Rai, meanwhile, sought action against Chaudhary, alleging indiscipline and conduct detrimental to the party. The competing accusations have brought the longstanding differences between the two leaders back into public view.
Reports following the incident said Ajay Rai spoke to Rahul Gandhi over the phone during the episode. According to a report by Bhaskar Hindi, Gandhi advised Rai to discuss the matter internally rather than make public statements about it.
Rai was also reported to have demanded Chaudhary’s expulsion from the party. The episode has consequently raised questions about how the Congress leadership will address the dispute and maintain organisational discipline.
The confrontation comes amid a change in the party’s state leadership, with Aradhana Mishra taking over as Uttar Pradesh Congress president after Ajay Rai’s tenure.
The clash has drawn attention to internal disagreements at a time when the organisation is navigating a leadership transition. It has also put the spotlight on the party’s handling of disputes involving senior leaders, local representatives and women party workers.
The next steps from the Congress leadership will determine how the competing allegations are addressed and whether disciplinary action follows.
For now, the incident highlights a public organisational dispute within the Uttar Pradesh Congress. Allegations from both sides require careful attribution, and any conclusions about responsibility should await further verified information.