Rahul Gandhi's 'Chaupal' witnesses heated exchange of words in Chhattisgarh

KORBA: Chhattisgarh Congress chief Bhupesh Baghel and former Chief Minister Ajit Jogi today indulged in a heated exchange of words in front of the party Vice President Rahul Gandhi during a 'chaupal' (meetings) in Madanpur village here.

The problem began when an environment activist Alok Shukla was convening the programme and Jogi asked Baghel to allow local tribals to speak up at the 'Chaupal' (village meeting) instead of people from other region which led to an argument between the two, a Congress leader said.

However, AICC General Secretary BK Hariprasad intervened and pacified them, he added.

According to the leader, Jogi was also allegedly enraged over his name not featuring in the list of SPG (special protection group) bearing the names of leaders who were going to accompany Gandhi on the 'Chaupal' stage.

However, he was later allowed to seat on the stage but Gandhi was seen distancing himself from Jogi as when the latter approached in his wheelchair to sit beside him, he asked Bhupesh to be seated next to him.