The meeting was held at the Congress Bhavan as part of preparations for the February 13 general assembly, where the opposition party plans to raise public issues against the ruling side. Several senior leaders, including former mayor Ramsharan Yadav, Rajesh Pandey, and former district president Vijay Kesharwani, were present.
Tensions flared when Kashyap objected to Rama Baghel attending the meeting in place of his wife, Santoshi Baghel, who holds the official post of Deputy Leader of Opposition in the municipal corporation. Kashyap argued that as an elected councillor and office-bearer, Santoshi herself should have been present to understand the party’s strategy.
Rama Baghel reportedly reacted strongly, pointing out that other councillors’ husbands were also present. He even mentioned the name of councillor Asgari Begum, questioning her absence. At the time, neither Asgari Begum nor her husband, former chairman Sheikh Nazeeruddin, was present at the meeting. Later, Nazeeruddin clarified that he attended only in his capacity as a former chairman invited to guide councillors, while his wife was out of town.
Witnesses said Rama Baghel briefly stepped out to call his wife and later left the Congress Bhavan with her. After his departure, several councillors expressed displeasure, alleging that repeated disruptions were affecting party unity.
Speaking after the incident, Leader of Opposition Bharat Kashyap stated that only elected councillors should attend official party meetings. He added that formal instructions would be issued to ensure that relatives or spouses do not participate in such sessions.
Former chairman Sheikh Nazeeruddin also criticized Rama Baghel, alleging he has a habit of creating disputes during meetings. However, when contacted, Rama Baghel denied that any such controversy took place.
The incident has sparked discussion within party circles about discipline and protocol in internal meetings.
