Factional tensions within the Congress became visible during the Uttarakhand Nyay Yatra on Friday, as supporters of different leaders raised competing slogans near Punjab National Bank in the main market.

The arrival of party leaders triggered slogan-shouting from rival groups. Workers came face to face, and a heated exchange briefly raised tension at the programme. Chakrata MLA Pritam Singh stepped in and appealed to the workers to remain calm.

The situation returned to normal after his intervention. The yatra then moved through the market and concluded at the Swarna River bridge.

Leaders link march to Ankita Bhandari justice

The programme was organised as part of the Congress campaign seeking justice for Ankita Bhandari and highlighting the safety and rights of women in Uttarakhand.

Pritam Singh said Ankita Bhandari should receive justice at all costs. He said the yatra was being held with a commitment to protect the safety and rights of Uttarakhand’s daughters.

Former cabinet minister Harak Singh Rawat criticised the BJP government during the event. He said the government was consumed by the arrogance of power like Ravan and Kans, and claimed that the pride of BJP leaders would also be crushed.

Rawat’s remarks were political criticism made at the Congress programme. They were not accompanied by any new allegation or official finding in the available report.

Congress state vice-president Aryendra Sharma said Ankita was a daughter of Uttarakhand and that the party would not remain silent until she received justice.

Supporters’ slogans expose internal differences

The tension emerged after Harak Singh Rawat reached the stage. Supporters of Aryendra Sharma began raising slogans in his favour, while slogans supporting Rawat also grew louder.

The competing displays highlighted differences between groups within the local Congress organisation. Some workers argued sharply before Pritam Singh intervened and persuaded them to settle down.

The episode did not stop the scheduled march. After the programme, Congress workers continued through the market before ending the yatra at the Swarna River bridge.

Former legislator Jyot Singh Gunsola, block president Amit Panwar, Ashok Negi, Sanjay Rawat, Sanjay Upadhyay, Shekhar Saklani, former servicemen’s president RS Negi and Gopal Singh were among those present. A large number of party workers also attended.

Conclusion

The Friday programme combined Congress’s demand for justice for Ankita Bhandari with a public display of internal differences. The immediate tension ended after Pritam Singh’s intervention, and the yatra proceeded to the Swarna River bridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What happened during the Uttarakhand Nyay Yatra?

Supporters of different Congress leaders raised competing slogans near Punjab National Bank in the main market. Some workers then engaged in a heated exchange.

Q. Who intervened to calm the workers?

Chakrata MLA Pritam Singh intervened and appealed to the workers. The situation became normal afterwards.

Q. Where did the yatra conclude?

The march concluded at the Swarna River bridge after passing through the market.

Q. What issue did Pritam Singh raise?

Pritam Singh said Ankita Bhandari should receive justice and linked the yatra to the safety and rights of Uttarakhand’s daughters.

Q. What did Aryendra Sharma say?

Aryendra Sharma said Ankita was a daughter of Uttarakhand and that Congress would not remain silent until she received justice.

Q. Which leaders’ supporters raised slogans?

The report mentions slogans by supporters of Aryendra Sharma and Harak Singh Rawat during the programme.