Priyanka gets taste of infighting in Congress' bastion

Amethi, Apr 14 (UNI) Congress 'star campaigner' Priyanka Gandhi, who is on a two-day visit to this constituency which goes to the polls on April 28, is witnessing the party's internal rifts first hand with slogan shouting by rival factions marring her review meetings.

A section of Congress office-bearers and activists raised slogans against local party candidate Amita Singh, besides exchanging charges in Priyanka's presence at a meeting here late last night.

Priyanka held a meeting with block-level party leaders and workers at the Sanjay Gandhi Hospital guest-house here.

Congress workers, led by Rajesh Mishra, Ram Singh and Rajiv Singh prominently opposed the re-nomination of Ms Amita Singh from Amethi.

They alleged that during her tenure, she had only worked for the benefit of a select group of people, belonging to a particular caste. She had also used the local area development fund for her and her aides, they claimed.

However, these charges were vociferously countered by Ms Singh's supporters and allegations and counter-allegations flew thick-and-fast at the venue.

Although, Priyanka tried to calm tempers, she repeatedly failed. A semblance of order was brought only when she threatened to leave for Delhi immediately.

According to sources, the two groups had a face-off again this morning, especially after Rajesh was allegedly assaulted by Ms Singh's supporters and aides.

To facilitate a truce between the two groups has become a major challenge before the Congress chief daughter.

Priyanka has been trying bring about a rapprochement among the ''rivals'' and make them fight uthe polls unitedly.

UNI