Argus News - Odisha: Jatra Troupe Owner Ananta Narayan Dhal Denied Entry Into Congress

Bhubaneswar, Oct 15: Tensions flared outside the Odisha Congress headquarters here on Wednesday after Ananta Narayan Dhal, a well-known jatra (traditional theatre) troupe owner, was denied entry while attempting to join the grand old party.

The incident led to a heated exchange between Dhal’s supporters and police personnel stationed at the Congress Bhawan gate here this afternoon.

Today, I, along with nearly 20,000 people from Badachana, went to the Congress Party office in Bhubaneswar to join the Indian National Congress. However, the gates of the Congress Bhavan were locked, and we were forced to return without being able to join. pic.twitter.com/lmIrnf81iM

— Ananta Narayan Dhal (@anantabadachana) October 15, 2025

Inspired by Bharat Jodo Yatra

Dhal, the proprietor of a jatra troupe, claimed he was motivated to join the Congress after being inspired by Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra. Arriving in a convoy of vehicles with supporters waving party flags and chanting slogans, Dhal was stopped at the entrance and denied access.

“Inspired by Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra, I came to join the Congress party. But the gates were locked,” he told reporters.

Dhal also alleged that he had previously discussed his intention to join the party with many senior Congress leaders including Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das.

Congress Cites Criminal Allegations

On the other hand, OPCC president Bhakta Charan Das stated that the party cannot accept individuals with a “criminal background.” Dhal has recently faced allegations of immoral conduct and assault, including complaints from several actresses.

“One can request a party’s membership, but cannot snatch it,” Das said. “We will not accept him. If he wants, he can go to Rahul Gandhi.”

In response, Dhal criticized Das, saying, “Congress Bhawan is not his paternal property. He may be the OPCC chief today, but not tomorrow.”

Also Read: Congress Picks Ghasiram Majhi For Nuapada Bypoll

Next Move: "Delhi Chalo"

Later, Dhal announced that he and his supporters plan to travel to New Delhi and assemble at Jantar Mantar to formally join the Congress in the presence of Rahul Gandhi.

The incident has sparked debate within political circles about the vetting process for new entrants and the optics of public confrontations at party offices.