Television debate ‘ignites’ supporters

A debate between a Congress Lok Sabha candidate and his BJP counterpart turned ugly after their supporters allegedly clashed at the five-star venue on Thursday.

A debate between a Congress Lok Sabha candidate and his BJP counterpart turned ugly after their supporters allegedly clashed at the five-star venue on Thursday.

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The incident took place at Le Meridian Hotel in the afternoon, when a local Hindi news channel, that organised the debate between Congress candidate Mahabal Mishra and his rival for the West Delhi seat — Jagdish Mukhi from the BJP, was shooting it.

Mishra alleged that his rival’s supporters created a ruckus while he was speaking, and when he objected to it, temperatures rose between the two rivals. While both the candidates were involved in a heated debate , their supporters allegedly attacked each other.

Sunil Jindal, a BJP supporter and husband of the BJP’s Vikaspuri councillor Shweta Jindal, was injured in the incident, police said.

Deputy commissioner Shankar Dass said: “Jindal suffered injuries on his left index finger. The injury was caused by a sharp-edged weapon.”

Jindal, a district-level BJP leader, was taken to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. A case has been registered and further investigations are on.

Mukhi alleged that Congress supporters attacked BJP workers. However, Mishra denied the allegation, claiming that his rival was “shaken as he would lose the elections”.