Malerkotla: Tensions erupted within the Punjab Congress on Saturday when supporters of rival factions clashed during the final day of the party’s ‘Har booth Congress mazboot’ campaign in Malerkotla.
The incident occurred when former MLA Jasvir Singh Jassi, popularly known as Jassi Khangura, attempted to get on the stage. Congress leaders supporting former minister Razia Sultana allegedly stopped him, triggering an argument that soon escalated into a physical confrontation.
The two groups initially engaged in pushing and shoving before a scuffle broke out. The confrontation continued for around five minutes, forcing police personnel to intervene. Officers had to use batons to keep the workers apart and prevent the situation from escalating further.
Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring came down from the stage and intervened to pacify both sides. Police were then positioned between the rival groups to prevent another clash. Warring subsequently sat among the workers and delivered his address from the ground.
Punjab Congress in-charge Bhupesh Baghel was also present at the meeting. Saturday marked the final day of his 10-day visit to Punjab, with his concluding programme scheduled in Khanna later in the evening.
Differences between Khangura and Sultana
The clash comes amid reported differences between Jassi Khangura and Razia Sultana. A few days ago, a photograph posted on the Malerkotla House Facebook page showed Khangura alongside Sultana. Khangura later claimed that the image was fake and shared what he described as the original photograph.
Different factions are also reportedly active among Congress workers at the grassroots level in Malerkotla, highlighting internal differences within the party ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.
