Daijiworld Media Network - Amritsar

Amritsar, Oct 4: Internal differences within the Congress in Amritsar have come to the fore after Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) delegate and former District Congress president Shivani Sharma accused District Congress Committee (Urban) president Saurabh Madan Mithu of forcibly entering her house, misbehaving with her, damaging property, engaging in a physical altercation and issuing death threats.

Following the alleged incident, Sharma submitted a written complaint at the local police station, seeking registration of an FIR and strict legal action against Mithu.

Speaking to reporters, Sharma alleged that Mithu arrived at her residence in the morning along with his gunman.

"When my daughter informed me that 'uncle' had arrived, I came downstairs and asked Saurabh to come inside. Instead of coming inside, Saurabh Mithu became extremely aggressive and began shouting and using abusive language from outside," she alleged.

Sharma further alleged that Mithu forcibly entered her house and pushed and shoved her, resulting in a scuffle during which her collar was torn. She also alleged that he kicked several flower pots in the courtyard, breaking them.

According to Sharma, the situation escalated after her husband intervened and she tried to record the incident on her mobile phone.

"When I tried to record a video with my phone after my husband intervened, he threatened me, saying, 'Do whatever you want, make a video, the police are in my pocket'," she alleged.

Sharma said the incident was linked to internal differences, power struggles and factionalism within the Punjab Congress. She said she had earlier served as District president of the Mahila Congress but eventually resigned, alleging that she faced constant mental harassment and pressure from Mithu.

She alleged that Mithu had previously tried to dictate which political events she should attend and which party leaders she should meet, leading to differences between them.

Sharma also claimed that recent changes in the state Congress leadership had further intensified the differences.

"Saurabh Mithu was frustrated after the recent changes in the state Congress and the appointment of a new president. When I posted a message in support of the new party leadership, he could not tolerate it and came to my house to settle a personal score," she alleged.

Sharma said she and Mithu had a long-standing family relationship but alleged that he had changed after gaining power.

"Saurabh Mithu and I have a long-standing family relationship, but after becoming intoxicated with power, he has forgotten to respect even the party's female leaders," she said.

Asserting her independence within the party, Sharma said she had never allowed herself to be controlled by another leader.

"I am an independent worker, not anyone's puppet. If I am being treated this way in my own home today and I remain silent, how will I be able to stand up for justice for any other victimised woman in society in the future?" she said.

Sharma said senior party leaders and the Congress high command had been informed about the alleged incident.

She urged the police administration to conduct an impartial investigation into her allegations and take strict legal action against Mithu.