Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand: A major political confrontation unfolded at the historic Jauljibi Fair after Congress MLA Harish Singh Dhami allegedly threw a microphone from the stage, accused organisers of denying him a chance to speak, and criticised Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The incident took place during the fair’s inauguration ceremony on Saturday and videos of the confrontation quickly went viral on social media.
What Happened at Jauljibi Fair?
Harish Singh Dhami, the Congress MLA from Dharchula, was reportedly entrusted with presiding over the inauguration ceremony of the Jauljibi Fair in Pithoragarh district. However, he alleged that he was not given an opportunity to address the gathering during the event.
According to reports, the MLA became angry when his microphone was switched off. He then allegedly flung the microphone towards the sound-system operator, triggering chaos on the stage.
The situation escalated after Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami left the venue. The Congress MLA and his supporters allegedly created a disturbance on the stage, with reports claiming that chairs, microphones, speakers and microphone stands were thrown down.
MLA’s Allegations Against Organisers
Harish Dhami claimed that despite being given the responsibility to preside over the fair, organisers did not allow him to speak. He alleged that his microphone was deliberately switched off, preventing him from addressing the audience.
The MLA reportedly said that he had been invited to preside over the event but was denied the chance to speak before the Chief Minister. His supporters also raised slogans and joined the protest on the stage.
Videos circulating on social media show the MLA in a heated argument with sound-system staff. The footage also shows the MLA allegedly throwing the microphone and later speaking to the crowd without a microphone after the disruption.
Direct Attack on CM Pushkar Singh Dhami
The confrontation soon turned political. Harish Dhami launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and the state government from the stage.
Reports state that the Congress MLA called the Chief Minister a “coward” and challenged him to contest from Dharchula. He also accused the state government of denying him his right to speak at a public event.
The MLA’s comments came after the Chief Minister had already left the venue. According to reports, Harish Dhami continued his attack on the government for nearly 10 minutes after the Chief Minister’s departure.
Stage Turns Into Political Battlefield
The Jauljibi Fair, one of Uttarakhand’s most well-known cultural and trade fairs, witnessed an unexpected political drama during its inauguration ceremony. The event, held in Pithoragarh district near the India-Nepal border, usually attracts large crowds, traders and local residents.
Instead of a formal cultural opening, the stage became the centre of a political confrontation. The MLA’s supporters allegedly climbed onto the stage, raised slogans and created a disturbance.
Reports claimed that the MLA picked up a chair and attempted to attack people present at the venue. He also allegedly grabbed a person by the collar and tried to slap him, although the blow reportedly did not land.
Police Intervene to Control Situation
Police personnel deployed at the fair venue intervened as the situation began to escalate. Officers reportedly tried to control the MLA’s supporters and prevent further damage on the stage.
The administration and police team reached the spot after receiving information about the disturbance. Officials attempted to calm the MLA and persuade his supporters to end the protest.
Despite the intervention, the MLA reportedly remained agitated for some time. He later returned to the microphone and continued attacking the state government before the situation gradually came under control.
MLA Later Apologises for Disturbance
After nearly 10 minutes of protest and criticism of the government, Harish Dhami reportedly apologised to the public for the disruption caused during the event.
According to reports, the MLA said that he was speaking about people’s rights and could not control his anger. He apologised to those present at the fair for the damage and disturbance caused during the confrontation.
The apology, however, has not ended the political controversy. The incident has sparked a fresh debate over political conduct at public events and the treatment of opposition leaders during official programmes.
Political Significance of the Incident
The confrontation is significant because it took place in Dharchula, the assembly constituency represented by Harish Dhami. The MLA directly challenged Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to contest from Dharchula, turning a local fair event into a political flashpoint.
The incident is likely to intensify political competition between the Congress and the BJP in the Kumaon region. With the Chief Minister’s presence at the fair and the MLA’s open criticism, the event has become a major talking point in Uttarakhand politics.
Jauljibi Fair and Its Importance
The Jauljibi Fair is an important cultural and commercial event held in Pithoragarh district near the India-Nepal border. It is known for bringing together traders, local communities and visitors from both sides of the border.
The fair is considered an important platform for local trade, cultural exchange and cross-border interaction. This year’s inauguration, however, will also be remembered for the political confrontation that took place on its opening day.
What Happens Next?
The incident is likely to trigger political reactions from both the Congress and the BJP in Uttarakhand. The Congress may defend its MLA’s right to speak at a public event, while the BJP may question the conduct and language used during the confrontation.
Police and local administration may also review the security arrangements and event-management protocol for the remaining days of the fair. No official statement from the Chief Minister’s office or the Congress party has been publicly reported so far regarding the incident.
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