Scuffle at Congress meeting in Koraput exposes deep factional divide

The Congress party’s organisational strengthening drive in Koraput turned chaotic on Thursday when a scuffle broke out outside the Town Hall during a key meeting attended by senior leaders and a central observer.

According to reports, former Congress leader Pritish Pattnaik arrived at the venue to take part in the ‘Srujan Sangathan’ programme. However, tension flared at the entrance when supporters of former municipality chairman Bhagaban Bahinipati allegedly blocked his entry, leading to heated arguments, shoving, and jostling between the two sides.

Eyewitnesses said Pritish and Bhagaban engaged in a verbal spat that soon escalated into a physical tussle. The incident unfolded even as senior Congress leaders, including MLA Tara Bahinipati, MP Saptagiri Ulaka, AICC secretary Ganesh Yadav, and Congress Legislature Party leader Ramchandra Kadam, were present on the dais inside.

The flashpoint is being linked to past political rivalry. In the 2024 elections, Pritish had contested as an Independent candidate against Tara Bahinipati, leading to his suspension from the party. Bhagaban later justified the obstruction, claiming that suspended members had no right to participate in official meetings.

“He attempted to disrupt the event. He fought as an independent candidate against Congress. As he remains suspended from the party, he cannot join any events,” said Bahinipati
Pattnaik, however, hit back, accusing local leaders of deliberate humiliation and asserting that he still commands grassroots support.

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“I contested the last election as an independent candidate. When I came to attend the event, the Jeypore MLA asked why I was here. I want to ask him why he fought the election with the BJP ticket in 2009. I am suspended, but yet to receive the suspension letter,” said Pattnaik.

The incident has sparked blame-trading within party circles, exposing deep factionalism in the Koraput Congress unit. Police said they are monitoring the situation to prevent further unrest.