High drama unfolded before the Odisha Congress headquarters here after a jatra (traditional theatre) personality was denied entry to join the party.

Ananta Narayan Dhal, proprietor of a jatra party, said he came to join the party after being inspired by Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra. State Congress president Bhakta Charan Das, however, said the party cannot induct anyone with a “criminal background.”

Dhal and his supporters reached the Congress Bhawan in several cars, waving flags and raising slogans, only to be stopped at the gate. They were also engaged in a heated argument with police personnel who asked them to leave.

“Inspired by Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra, I have arrived here to join the Congress party. However, I found that the gates were locked,” Dhal said.

Dhal also c

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