Indore (Madhya Pradesh): A Congress organisational meeting in Indore descended into chaos on Thursday when two factions within the party clashed, hurling shoes and slippers at each other. The incident occurred at Gandhi Bhavan during a meeting to discuss party strategies for Assembly constituencies.
The altercation escalated when Congress leader Chintu Choukse, leader of the Opposition in Indore Municipal Corporation, reportedly kicked IT Cell Youth Congress city in-charge Deepak Sonavane in the chest. Sonavane and his colleague Basant Patil sustained injuries after being beaten with shoes. Several workers were also injured during the melee.
The dispute reportedly began while Choukse was addressing the gathering. Congress worker Patil interrupted his speech, accusing him of colluding with the BJP and receiving monetary benefits from the corporation. Sonavane supported Patil’s allegations, triggering a heated argument that soon turned physical.
Eyewitnesses stated that city president Surjeet Singh Chadda and other senior leaders quickly moved away as the situation spiralled out of control.
Choukse, however, dismissed the incident as a “family matter,” denying any deliberate violence. When questioned about injuries sustained by a worker named Sonu, he claimed, “He fell and got hurt by a chair,” and only smiled when pressed about the specifics.
Cross police complaints filed
The dispute reached Pandharinath police station, where both factions filed complaints. Pandharinath TI Kapil Sharma confirmed injuries on both sides and said medical examinations had been conducted. “Leaders from both factions are discussing a settlement. Action will be taken if a formal complaint is filed,” he added.
Factional feuds and power struggles
Party insiders revealed that tensions between Choukse and a rival faction, including Sonavane, Patil and Phool Singh Kuwal, have been simmering for months. The faction reportedly opposes Choukse’s leadership and has previously organised meetings to cut him to size.
Accusations fly amid chaos
Sonavane accused Choukse of holding a grudge against him due to an old political rivalry. “He got my ticket cancelled and is now targeting me again. He lost the Assembly election by a record margin of 1.07 lakh votes but threatens anyone who speaks against him,” Sonavane alleged.
