Shoes Hurled at UP Congress Office as Mona Takes Charge; Ajay Rai Protests

The Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC) headquarters in Lucknow witnessed a major disturbance on Sunday, October 11, when Aradhana Mishra ‘Mona’ formally took charge as the new state Congress president.

The programme was overshadowed by a clash between supporters of outgoing state president Ajay Rai and workers associated with Congress leader and councillor Mamta Chaudhary. Media reports said an argument over making way for Rai escalated into shouting, pushing and a scuffle in which shoes and slippers were reportedly thrown.

Ajay Rai Walks Out; Senior Leaders Intervene

Rai expressed anger over the alleged misconduct towards him and his supporters and briefly sat outside the party office in protest. He reportedly demanded action against those involved.

Congress working president Imran Masood and Rajya Sabha MP Pramod Tiwari tried to persuade Rai to return. After discussions, Rai came back and formally handed over charge to Mona, who took her seat as the new state president.

Rai did not attend the press conference that followed, according to media reports. The episode exposed tensions within the state unit at a time when the party is preparing for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.

What Does the Incident Mean for Congress?

The immediate issue is whether the party leadership will investigate the clash and take disciplinary action. The incident also raises questions about internal coordination and discipline during a major organisational change.

However, a single confrontation does not by itself establish the extent of factional divisions or their impact on the party's electoral prospects. The response of the Congress leadership and its ability to bring workers together will be important in the coming months.