A seating dispute during a Samajwadi Party press conference in Gorakhpur reportedly escalated into a scuffle involving supporters of former district president Nagina Sahani and party leader Anshuman Singh.
A Samajwadi Party (SP) press conference in Gorakhpur descended into chaos on Saturday after a dispute over seating arrangements reportedly turned into a physical confrontation between supporters of two party leaders.
The incident took place around 2:45 pm at the Journalists Press Club during a press conference organised to brief the media about the SP’s “Loktantra Bachao Saptah” campaign, scheduled from October 2 to 8.
Seating Dispute Escalates Into Scuffle
According to party functionaries present at the venue, tensions began when Anshuman Singh arrived at the packed hall with his supporters and sought seating space.
Singh is reportedly seeking an SP ticket from the Gorakhpur Rural Assembly constituency for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.
An argument followed the seating dispute and soon escalated into a scuffle. During the confrontation, former SP district president Nagina Sahani was allegedly slapped by Kamlesh Singh, the son of Anshuman Singh.
Senior party leaders and other workers intervened and separated the two groups.
A video purportedly showing the confrontation later surfaced on social media.
Leaders Trade Allegations
Anshuman Singh claimed that the incident was being used to damage his reputation. He alleged that political opponents within the party were attempting to create controversy around him.
Sahani, however, accused supporters of Anshuman Singh of misbehaviour, assault and intimidation.
Sahani also alleged that some people entered the venue carrying illegal weapons. The allegation has not been independently established.
SP Leadership to Examine Incident
SP district president Brijesh Gautam, who convened the press conference, said the matter would be brought to the attention of party president Akhilesh Yadav.
He added that the party leadership would decide whether further action was necessary.
Local SP leader Kajal Nishad described the incident as “regrettable” and appealed to party workers to exercise restraint.
The confrontation comes as political activity intensifies in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, with ticket aspirations already emerging within several parties.
The SP’s internal dispute in Gorakhpur has also drawn attention because the confrontation occurred during an official party media event, disrupting the press conference and prompting competing allegations from the two sides.
5 Key Takeaways
- A seating dispute disrupted an SP press conference in Gorakhpur.
- Former district president Nagina Sahani was allegedly slapped during the confrontation.
- The incident reportedly involved supporters of Anshuman Singh and Sahani.
- Sahani and Singh’s sides made counter-allegations following the clash.
- SP district chief Brijesh Gautam said the matter would be taken up with Akhilesh Yadav.
