Party claims BJP workers, accompanied by ministers, targeted Congress headquarters; alleges police bias and injuries to workers during clashes
TFP Bureau, Raipur, July 23,2026: The Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee on Tuesday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of orchestrating a “pre-planned attack” on the party’s state headquarters, Rajiv Bhawan, during a protest in Raipur. Senior Congress leaders alleged that the demonstration was carried out with government support and police protection, resulting in injuries to several Congress workers.
Addressing a press conference at Rajiv Bhawan, State Congress Communication Department Chairman Sushil Anand Shukla claimed that the protest was not merely a political demonstration by the BJP but an attack carried out under the patronage of the state government.
According to Shukla, Congress workers had gathered at the party headquarters as part of their routine activities when they learned that BJP supporters were approaching the premises. He alleged that BJP workers attacked Congress members by pelting stones and throwing water bottles and sticks, claiming they had arrived with a tractor carrying stones, old slippers and lathis.
Shukla further alleged that police used tear gas shells and water cannons against Congress workers while taking no similar action against BJP supporters. He claimed that more than a dozen Congress workers, including women, sustained injuries during the incident due to stone-pelting and police action.
The Congress leader also accused several ministers of the BJP government, including the Home Minister, of participating in the protest. He alleged that ministers, who are constitutionally responsible for maintaining law and order, were present during the confrontation instead of ensuring peace.
Describing the incident as a violation of democratic norms, Shukla alleged that the ruling party had misused state machinery to target the Opposition. He further claimed that the incident reflected political intolerance and called upon the Governor to take action against the ministers allegedly involved.
The Congress also linked the incident to its protests over the alleged NEET paper leak issue, claiming that the BJP was attempting to suppress opposition voices instead of acting against those responsible for examination irregularities.
“The BJP is trying to divert attention from issues concerning the future of the country’s youth and is attacking the Opposition for raising questions,” Shukla alleged, while strongly condemning the incident.
The press conference was attended by City District Congress President Shrikumar Shankar Menon, Rural District Congress President Rajendra “Pappu” Banjare, State Congress Chief Spokesperson Dhananjay Singh Thakur, Ajay Sahu, Senior Spokesperson Satya Prakash Singh, and media coordinators Saurabh Sahu and Rishabh Chandrakar.
Police and BJP leaders had not issued an official response to the Congress allegations at the time of filing this report.
