Gorakhpur: A Samajwadi Party news conference in Gorakhpur on Saturday witnessed major disruption after supporters of former district president Nagina Sahani and party leader Anshuman Singh clashed over seating arrangements.The incident occurred around 2.45 pm at the Press Club during a conference convened by SP district president Brajesh Gautam to brief the media about the party’s ‘Loktantra Bachao Saptah’ campaign scheduled from Oct 2 to 8.According to party members, an argument broke out when Anshuman Singh, who is seeking an SP ticket from Gorakhpur Rural Assembly constituency for the 2027 elections, arrived with supporters and sought seating space in the packed hall. The verbal exchange escalated into a scuffle and Sahani was slapped by Kamlesh Singh, the son of Anshuman.Party functionaries and senior leaders intervened and separated the two groups. A video of the incident surfaced on social media.Anshuman Singh claimed the controversy was being used to tarnish his image and alleged that political rivals within the party were attempting to create unnecessary controversy. Sahani, however, accused Singh’s supporters of misbehaviour, assault and intimidation and alleged that some individuals had entered the venue carrying illegal weapons.SP district president Brajesh Gautam said the matter would be reported to party chief Akhilesh Yadav and further action would be decided by the party leadership. SP leader Kajal Nishad termed the incident “regrettable” and appealed for restraint among party workers.
