Story perspectives

Congress Clash in Lucknow During Aradhana Misra Handover

By Drooid · Oct 12, 2026, 10:15 AM UTC · How we work

Center

Leaders deny violence

A clash broke out at Uttar Pradesh Congress headquarters in Lucknow on Sunday, 11 October 2026, during the ceremony installing Aradhana Misra as party chief.
Senior leaders Pramod Tiwari and Imran Masood intervened, persuaded Ajay Rai to stay, and denied physical blows or shoe-throwing.
Ajay Rai's subsequent actions after the clash were not detailed in reports.
The party announced a weekly “Chargesheet Campaign” and will examine Rai’s complaint.

Right

Alleged anti Dalit slur

Supporters of Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai and women’s president Mamta Chaudhary clashed at the party headquarters in Lucknow on Sunday, 11 October 2026.
The report highlights Mamta Chaudhary’s allegation that Ajay Rai uttered anti-Dalit remarks during the confrontation.
When shoes were thrown, Pramod Tiwari intervened, keeping Rai for the handover.
Ajay Rai's whereabouts after the clash were not reported.

History

Historical Context

India’s 1979 Mandal Commission, chaired by B. P. Mandal, recommended a 27 % reservation for Backward Classes; Prime Minister V. P. Singh announced implementation in August 1990, sparking student protests and a Supreme Court endorsement in November 1992. Decades of caste tension in Uttar Pradesh resurfaced in October 2026 when Congress leaders Ajay Rai, Pramod Tiwari and Mamta Chaudhary clashed at Lucknow headquarters.

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Leaders deny violence

A clash broke out at Uttar Pradesh Congress headquarters in Lucknow on Sunday, 11 October 2026, during the ceremony installing Aradhana Misra as party chief.
Senior leaders Pramod Tiwari and Imran Masood intervened, persuaded Ajay Rai to stay, and denied physical blows or shoe-throwing.
Ajay Rai's subsequent actions after the clash were not detailed in reports.
The party announced a weekly “Chargesheet Campaign” and will examine Rai’s complaint.

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