Faridabad: An opposition protest against alleged electoral irregularities took an unexpected turn in Haryana’s Faridabad after two Congress women leaders allegedly slapped each other during a march on Thursday, October 8. The confrontation between Parag Sharma, a former Congress Assembly candidate from Ballabgarh, and Gajna Lamba was captured on video and circulated widely on social media, drawing attention away from the rally’s political message.
The incident occurred during an INDIA bloc demonstration targeting Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations of “vote theft” and concerns about electoral processes. The Congress and its allies have demanded accountability from the Election Commission and called for Kumar’s resignation.
According to reports, the argument began as the two leaders walked alongside each other in the procession. A disagreement over their positions in the march reportedly escalated into a verbal exchange, followed by physical blows. Sharma was seen carrying a Congress banner before the confrontation, while Lamba was walking beside her.
Party workers, including Faridabad Congress district president Baljit Kaushik, intervened to separate the two leaders and bring the situation under control.
Police receive complaints from both leaders
Police confirmed that separate complaints had been submitted by Sharma and Lamba. Station House Officer Vishnu Mittar said the dispute involved a disagreement over removing a photograph, which allegedly led to verbal abuse and physical assault. The complaints also referred to differences concerning the leaders positions within the party.
The precise sequence of events remains disputed, with both women accusing each other of wrongdoing.
Lamba alleged that Sharma pinched her before the confrontation escalated. She also accused Sharma of using caste related derogatory language and described the incident as part of a possible conspiracy. These allegations have not been independently established.
Sharma, meanwhile, reportedly said she would bring the matter to the attention of the Congress high command. As of the latest available reports, she had not publicly responded to Lamba’s conspiracy allegations.
Party leadership seeks to defuse the row
The march in Old Faridabad was planned from Chandi Wali Dharamshala to Pathwari Mandir under the leadership of Haryana Mahila Congress president Pearl Chaudhary and district Congress president Kaushik.
Kaushik played down the confrontation, suggesting that physical contact can occur when people walk together in a crowded procession. He said the dispute would be resolved.
The clash has raised questions about internal discipline within the Haryana Congress at a time when the party is mobilising support around electoral transparency.
While the protest was intended to highlight the opposition’s concerns over the electoral process, the altercation between its own leaders has become a major talking point.
Police action beyond receiving the complaints, including any formal registration of an FIR or arrests, had not been confirmed in the latest reports.
ALSO READ: Modi Slogan Sparks Clash At Delhi Protest
-
-
-
-
