Uttar Pradesh: Congress and BJP supporters clash during 'Gareeb Kalyan Mela' in Pratapgarh

PRAYAGRAJ: Supporters of the Congress and Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) clashed during 'Gareeb Kalyan Mela' held at Sangipur development block auditorium in Pratapgarh district, on Saturday. It is alleged that BJP MP Sangamlal Gupta was attacked by supporters of Congress leader Pramod Tiwari and his daughter Aradhna Mishra Mona who is an MLA from Rampur Khas .
The MP was rescued by police and was escorted to a safe place. Congress leader Pramod Tiwari was also manhandled and Aradhna Mishra Mona’s mobile was lost in the chaos.It is reported that many persons received injuries in the clash.
Sources inform that the two leaders also engaged in pushing and shoving each other. The vehicle of the BJP MP was also damaged during the chaos. Video footage of the entire incident has gone viral on social media.
According to reports, BJP MP Sangamlal Gupta was invited as the chief guest in the event organised at Sangipur block. He was to reach to the venue at 1pm but was late. Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Pramod Tiwari and Aradhna Mishra Mona reached the event at around 2pm. Few minutes later the BJP MP too reached the event resulting in tension among Congress and BJP workers.
After early heated arguments, both groups started manhandling each other. Police somehow restored order and escorted Gupta out from the venue. However, in a video which went viral it can be seen that some persons chased his vehicle and damaged it. The programme was also suspended following the chaos. Heavy force reached the scene and controlled the situation. No complaint was given to police by either of the party leaders till reports last came in.
MP Sangamlal Gupta said Congress workers assaulted him and tore his clothes. “I had gone to attend the government programme where the armed assailants, around 60 in number, were already present under a pre-planned manner. They first attacked SHO Sangipur and then assaulted me. The attackers damaged my vehicle and chased and assaulted BJP workers with me” said the MP.
Meanwhile, senior Congress leader and former Rajya Sabha member Pramod Tiwari accused BJP leaders and their supporters for the incident. He said that BJP leaders do not believe in democracy as they are under intoxication of power. Police brutally thrashed Congress workers, Tiwari added.
Deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said instructions have been issued to take action against the persons involved in the attack on BJP MP Sangamlal Gupta at the 'Gareeb Kalyan Mela' in Sangipur, Pratapgarh.
IG Zone, KP Singh told TOI, “We are conducting the medical of those who have been injured and police would register the FIR once we get the formal complaint”.
Circle Officer Jagmohan said BJP and Congress workers clashed at Sangipur Block. Although no one has yet given a complaint in this connection, an investigation will be carried out into the incident. Force has been deployed in view of tension in the area, he added.