Chaos at SP's Gorakhpur press meet as leaders clash over seating
According to party functionaries present at the venue, an argument broke out after Anshuman Singh, who is seeking an SP ticket from the Gorakhpur Rural Assembly constituency for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, arrived at the packed hall with his supporters and sought seating space
A Samajwadi Party (SP) press conference in Gorakhpur descended into chaos on Saturday (October 3, 2026) after supporters of former district president Nagina Sahani and party leader Anshuman Singh reportedly engaged in a heated altercation over seating, party leaders disclosed. The dispute unfolded around 2:45 p.m. at the Journalists Press Club during a SP district president Brijesh Gautam-hosted briefing on the party's Loktantra Bachao Saptah campaign, scheduled for October 2-8.
Anshuman Singh, contesting the Gorakhpur Rural Assembly constituency in the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, and his supporters entered the crowded hall and sought seating. The tension quickly escalated into a physical confrontation, with Sahani allegedly receiving a slap from Kamlesh Singh, Anshuman Singh's son. Party officials and senior leaders intervened to separate the warring factions.
A video of the incident subsequently circulated on social media. Anshuman Singh contended that the controversy was intended to damage his reputation and alleged that party rivals were fabricating an unnecessary dispute. Sahani, on the other hand, accused Anshuman Singh's supporters of misconduct, assault, and intimidation, claiming some individuals had entered the venue with illegal weapons.
Gautam stated that the matter would be reported to SP president Akhilesh Yadav, with final action pending party leadership's decision. Local SP leader Kajal Nishad labeled the incident "regrettable" and urged party members to exercise restraint.
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