Congress Protest Turns Chaotic: What Happened in Faridabad?

A protest by the INDIA bloc against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged “vote theft” took an unexpected turn in Faridabad, Haryana, on Thursday, October 8. A video circulating on social media appeared to show two Congress women leaders slapping each other during the march, drawing widespread attention online.

According to media reports, the leaders involved were Parag Sharma, who contested the Ballabgarh Assembly election, and Gajna Lamba. They were walking together with a Congress banner during the protest in Old Faridabad. When Lamba reportedly tried to move ahead of Sharma, Sharma slapped her, and Lamba retaliated with a slap. Other party members, including Congress district president Baljit Kaushik, intervened to separate them.

The march travelled from Chandi Wali Dharamshala towards Pathwari Mandir under the leadership of Haryana Mahila Congress president Pearl Chaudhary and other local leaders. The protest was part of a wider opposition campaign demanding accountability from the Election Commission over alleged electoral irregularities. These allegations remain contested and should not be treated as established findings.

Kaushik reportedly played down the confrontation, suggesting that physical contact can happen accidentally in a crowded procession and expressing confidence that the disagreement could be resolved. However, the viral footage shifted public attention from the protest’s stated purpose to the confrontation between party members.

The incident raises questions about discipline and coordination at political demonstrations. At the same time, a brief viral clip cannot by itself explain the full context of a dispute. The central issue behind the protest—concerns about electoral processes—remains separate from the altercation and requires examination on its own merits.