UP: Pratapgarh BJP MP cries assault amid political clash

PRAYAGRAJ: In a high-voltage drama in Pratapgarh, Congress and BJP supporters clashed during the Gareeb Kalyan Mela organized at the Sangipur development block auditorium in the district on Saturday. In the melee, BJP MP Sangamlal Gupta was allegedly attacked by supporters of Congress leader Pramod Tiwari and his daughter Aradhana Mishra ‘Mona’, who’s MLA from Rampur Khas.
The MP was rescued by police and escorted to a safe place.He later lodged an FIR against Pramod Tiwari, his daughter Aradhana Mishra and 25 other named and 50 unnamed people under relevant sections of IPC, including 307 (attempt to murder), 146 (rioting), 336 (act endangering life or personal safety of others) at the Lalganj police station of Pratapgarh.
In his complaint, the MP alleged that over 50 unidentified goons, on the call of Congress leader Pramod Tiwari, pelted stones at his workers and attacked him with sticks. Tiwari, however, alleged he too was brutally beaten.
MP’s vehicle damaged, video viral on social media
The MP has also accused Sangipur block chief Bablu Singh of attacking him.
“I had gone to attend the government programme where around 60 armed assailants were already present under a conspiracy and plan. They first attacked SHO Sangipur and then assaulted me. The attackers damaged my vehicle and assaulted the party workers with me.”
Unconfirmed reports said Tiwari was also allegedly manhandled and Aradhna Mishra lost her mobile phone in the chaos. It is reported that many persons were injured in the clash.
Sources told TOI that the two senior leaders also pushed and shoved each other. The MP’s vehicle was damaged, and a video of the incident went viral on social media.
Sources said the MP had been invited as chief guest of the event and had to reach the venue at 1pm but was late. Tiwari and Mishra reached the venue at 2pm. The MP too reached a few minutes later, sparking a spat among Congress and BJP workers.
After heated arguments, both the groups started manhandling each other. Police somehow restored order and escorted the MP out from the auditorium.
However, in a video which went viral, some people were seen chasing his vehicle and damaging it. The programme was suspended following the chaos and police force reached the scene and controlled the situation.
Tiwari accused BJP leaders and their supporters for the incident saying, “BJP leaders do not believe in democracy as intoxicated with power. Police brutally thrashed Congress workers.”
Deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said instructions have been issued to take action against those involved in the assault on the MP.
IG Zone, KP Singh told TOI, “We are getting the medical examination of all the injured conducted.”
Circle Officer Jagmohan said, “BJP and Congress workers clashed at Sangipur block. Police force has been deployed in view of tension in the area.”