Punjab: Congress Woman Leader Accuses Amritsar District Chief of Assault, Threats

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 residence, misbehaving with her, damaging property, engaging in a physical altercation and issuing death threats.

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

Speaking to IANS, Sharma alleged that Mithu arrived at her residence in the morning along with his gunman. She said she initially invited him inside after her daughter informed her that he had arrived, but alleged that he instead became aggressive and began shouting and using abusive language.

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

According to Sharma, the situation escalated when her husband intervened and she attempted to record the incident on her mobile phone. She alleged that Mithu threatened her and claimed that he had influence over the police.

Sharma said the alleged confrontation was linked to longstanding differences within the Congress, including disagreements over political activities and factionalism. She claimed she had earlier resigned as District President of the Mahila Congress after facing what she described as persistent mental harassment and pressure.

She alleged that Mithu had attempted to dictate which political events she should attend and which party leaders she should meet, resulting in differences between them.

Sharma also linked the alleged incident to recent changes in the Punjab Congress leadership. She claimed Mithu was unhappy after the appointment of a new state party president and objected to a message she had posted supporting the new leadership.

“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,” Sharma alleged.

Maintaining that she works independently within the Congress, Sharma said she would not allow herself to be controlled by any individual 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 Congress leaders and the party high command had been informed about the alleged incident.

She has urged the police to conduct an impartial investigation into her allegations and take legal action if the charges are found to be substantiated.