India, March 22 -- The Congress in Pune has found itself in the middle of an internal rift after city unit president Arvind Shinde publicly backed former Maharashtra State Commission for Women chairperson Rupali Chakankar, even as sections within the party staged protests against her over the ongoing controversy linked to Ashok Kharat. Shinde even offered Chakankar to join the Congress.

Chakankar, who resigned from her post on Friday following criticism from across political parties, has come under scrutiny for her alleged association with Kharat. The episode has triggered sharp reactions, with the Congress taking seemingly contradictory positions.

Shinde's remarks in support of Chakankar have drawn criticism from within his own party....