Congress leader Shivani Sharma accuses Amritsar district chief of assault, death threats
Synopsis
A sitting Amritsar Congress district chief stands accused of storming a fellow leader's home, physically assaulting her and threatening 'the police are in my pocket' — a confrontation that lays bare the factional war tearing through Punjab's Congress unit following its latest leadership reshuffle.
Key Takeaways
Shivani Sharma , a PPCC delegate and former district president, has accused Saurabh Madan Mithu of forcibly entering her Amritsar home on 4 October 2026 .
Sharma alleges Mithu physically assaulted her, vandalised flower pots, and threatened her with the words: 'The police are in my pocket.' A written complaint has been filed at a local police station; an FIR is yet to be registered as of the time of reporting.
Sharma attributes the alleged incident to factionalism triggered by a recent Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee leadership change.
Senior Congress leaders and the party's high command have been informed, according to Sharma.
No official response from Mithu or the Punjab Congress leadership had been issued at the time of reporting.
A Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) delegate and former district president, Shivani Sharma, has accused District Congress Committee (Urban) President Saurabh Madan Mithu of forcibly entering her residence in Amritsar, physically assaulting her, vandalising her property, and issuing death threats — bringing simmering internal divisions within the Congress in Punjab sharply into the open on 4 October 2026.
Sharma subsequently filed a written complaint against Mithu at a local police station, demanding registration of a First Information Report (FIR) and strict legal action against him.
What Sharma Alleges Happened
According to Sharma, Mithu arrived at her home in the morning accompanied by his gunman. She alleged that when she invited him inside, he instead became aggressive, shouted abusive language from outside, and then forcibly entered the premises.
'Saurabh Mithu forcibly entered my house, pushed and shoved me, resulting in a scuffle that ripped my collar. During the incident, he kicked several flower pots in the courtyard, shattering them,' she alleged.
Sharma further claimed the confrontation intensified when her husband intervened and she attempted to film the incident on her mobile phone. At that point, she alleged, Mithu threatened her directly, saying: 'Do whatever you want, make a video, the police are in my pocket.'
The Backdrop: Factionalism and a Power Struggle
Sharma attributed the alleged incident to deepening factionalism within the state Congress organisation. She said she had previously held the position of District President of the Mahila Congress but resigned, citing sustained mental harassment and pressure from Mithu, who she alleged attempted to dictate which political events she could attend and which party leaders she could meet.
She specifically linked the confrontation to recent changes in the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee leadership, including the appointment of a new state president. She claimed that after she publicly expressed support for the new leadership on social media, Mithu could not tolerate it and came to her home 'to settle a personal score.'
'Saurabh Mithu and I have a long-standing family relationship, but after becoming intoxicated with power, he has forgotten to respect even the party's female leaders,' Sharma said.
Sharma's Stand on Women's Rights
Sharma, describing herself as an independent party worker, rejected any suggestion that she could be controlled or silenced. She invoked a broader argument around women's safety and dignity within political organisations.
'I am an independent worker, not anyone's puppet. If I am being treated this way in my own home today and I remain silent, how will I be able to stand up for justice for any other victimised woman in society in the future?' she said.
What Happens Next
Sharma confirmed she has informed senior Congress leaders and the party's high command about the alleged incident. She urged the police administration to conduct an impartial investigation and take strict action against the accused. As of the time of reporting, there was no official response from Mithu or the Punjab Congress leadership on the allegations. Whether the Congress high command intervenes — or distances itself — is likely to determine the political fallout of a dispute that has exposed raw fault lines within the party's Punjab unit.
Point of View
If substantiated, points to precisely the kind of institutional capture that undermines the Congress's stated commitment to women's empowerment. Coming on the heels of a leadership reshuffle intended to rejuvenate the Punjab unit, this incident instead exposes how deeply personal fiefdoms and factional loyalties can override both party discipline and basic accountability. The high command now faces a test: act swiftly and visibly, or allow the episode to harden perceptions that internal party democracy for women leaders remains more slogan than substance.
NationPress
4 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Shivani Sharma allege against Saurabh Madan Mithu?
Shivani Sharma, a PPCC delegate, alleged that Saurabh Madan Mithu forcibly entered her Amritsar home, pushed and shoved her, ripped her collar, vandalised property, and issued death threats. She claimed he also warned her not to record the incident, saying 'the police are in my pocket.'
Why does Sharma say the alleged confrontation took place?
Sharma links the incident to factionalism within the Punjab Congress following a recent state leadership change. She alleged Mithu became aggressive after she publicly supported the newly appointed PPCC president, viewing it as a challenge to his influence.
Has an FIR been filed in the case?
Sharma submitted a written complaint at a local Amritsar police station seeking registration of an FIR and strict legal action against Mithu. As of the time of reporting, the status of the FIR had not been confirmed officially.
Who is Shivani Sharma?
Shivani Sharma is a Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee delegate and former District Congress President in Amritsar. She had previously served as District President of the Mahila Congress before resigning, citing harassment and pressure from Saurabh Madan Mithu.
What has the Congress high command done in response?
Sharma said she has informed senior party leaders and the Congress high command about the alleged incident. As of the time of reporting, no official statement had been issued by the Punjab Congress leadership or the national party in response to the allegations.
