Full Breakdown
Samajwadi Party Press Conference in Gorakhpur Disrupted by Seating Dispute and Alleged Slap
By Drooid · · How we work
Event Overview
Around 2:45 p.m. on October 2, a Samajwadi Party (SP) press conference at the Journalists Press Club in Gorakhpur turned violent after a seating disagreement. Former district president Nagina Sahani (also reported as Sahni) accused Kamlesh Singh, son of party leader Anshuman Singh, of slapping her. The clash involved supporters of both factions and was halted only after senior party members intervened. A video of the incident later circulated on social media.
Background & Context
The meeting was convened by the SP district president to brief media on the “Loktantra Bachao Saptah” campaign, running from October 2-8, ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, where Anshuman Singh seeks the Gorakhpur Rural ticket.
Key Figures
- Anshuman Singh – SP leader, aspirant for Gorakhpur Rural.
- Kamlesh Singh – Son of Anshuman Singh, alleged slapper.
- Nagina Sahani – Former SP district president, alleged victim.
- Brajesh (or Brijesh) Gautam – District president who organized the press conference.
- Kajal Nishad – Senior leader who called the incident regrettable.
- Akhilesh Yadav – National president, to be briefed.
Timeline
- October 2 – Press conference; seating dispute escalates; alleged slap; video surfaces.
- Following day – Gautam says the incident will be reported to Akhilesh Yadav for possible disciplinary action.
- Subsequent days – Leaders call for restraint among workers.
Official Statements & Responses
- Brajesh/Brijesh Gautam said the episode was serious and would be brought to Akhilesh Yadav’s attention.
- Kajal Nishad labeled the incident “regrettable” and urged discipline.
- Anshuman Singh claimed the controversy was being exploited to tarnish his image.
- Nagina Sahani alleged Singh’s supporters misbehaved, assaulted her and entered the venue armed with illegal weapons.
Impact & Wider Context
The Gorakhpur incident adds to recent political slap controversies, such as the video of Delhi PWD Minister Parvesh Verma allegedly slapping a man during a road inspection. These events have intensified scrutiny of intra-party discipline within the SP ahead of the state elections.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- The district president’s name appears as Brajesh Gautam in some reports and Brijesh Gautam in others.
- Sahani’s surname is reported both as Sahani and Sahni.
- No official confirmation has been released regarding any disciplinary action by Akhilesh Yadav.
What’s Next
SP leadership says the matter will be reviewed by Akhilesh Yadav, but no timeline has been disclosed. The party’s handling of the incident may affect internal cohesion as the “Loktantra Bachao Saptah” campaign continues through October 8.