Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Oct 22: The fissure within the district Congress was out in the open during the visit of chief minister Siddaramaiah at Mangaluru airport here on Sunday October 22.
Two groups, each led by Congress MLC Ivan D'Souza and MLA Abhaychandra Jain had arrived at the airport to welcome the CM. Each group remained separate holding placards, awaiting the CM's arrival.
When the CM finally arrived after some delay, the Ivan D'Souza and Abhaychandra Jain jostled with each other to get close to Siddaramaiah. Abhaychandra Jain was caught on camera elbowing Ivan and blocking his way.
Sources also said that Ivan and Abhaychandra engaged in a brief but heated exchange of words, during which the latter allegedly spoke rashly.
Another key Congressman involved was Mithun Rai, who was with Jain. The video shows that just as Mithun was approaching the CM, Ivan too began to move forward, but Jain blocked his way by shoving him back.
It may be noted that Ivan has been touted as a possible candidate from Moodbidri in the next Assembly elections. Mithun Rai is also said to be in the race for the ticket and reportedly is backed by Jain.
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