A ceremony meant to boost the image of the Congress on Saturday was marred by party workers and leaders reportedly coming to blows in the party office at Hampanakatta. At one point chairs were reportedly thrown at some party leaders. Police had to intervene to restore order.
The occasion was meant to formally induct former Mangalore City Corporation Commissioner J.R. Lobo and his 40 supporters including about 15 advocates into the party. Party sources said his induction was seen as a threat by some party leaders who wanted to contest the next Assembly elections from here. They feared that Mr. Lobo with his good equations with some top leaders would take away their chances of emerging as candidates.
According to eye witnesses, as soon as party’s district general secretary Sadashiva Ullal began his welcome speech, some workers including former mayor K. Ashraf, said to be a supporter of KPCC Secretary Ivan D’Souza, a party ticket aspirant, rose to say that the speech was not audible and demanded that loudspeakers be used. They also alleged that they were being misled about the government service of Mr. Lobo.
District Congress President B. Ramanatha Rai and others pacified them but soon Mr. D’Souza supporters started raising slogans in favour of their leader. Arguments broke out. In a virtual free-for-all, several party workers pushed each other or exchanged blows. At one point of time P.V. Mohan, AICC member and Mr. Ashraf reportedly pushed each other and a party worker said they too exchanged blows. Policemen walked in to bring the situation under control.
The leaders presented a unified face at a press conference later. Mr. Lobo said he had joined the party impressed by its work and sought cooperation from the workers in strengthening the party. Mr. Rai reminded that party was known for its secular credentials and that all party workers should keep the forthcoming elections in mind.
