Chhattisgarh Congress chief Bhupesh Baghel and former Chief Minister Ajit Jogi on Monday indulged in a heated exchange of words in front of party vice-president Rahul Gandhi during a chaupal (village meeting) at Madanpur village here.

The problem began when environment activist Alok Shukla was convening the programme and Jogi asked Baghel to allow local tribals — rather than outsiders — to speak up at the chaupal. This led to an argument between the two, a Congress leader said.

According to the leader, Jogi was also allegedly enraged over his name not featuring in an SPG (special protection group) list bearing the names of leaders who were to accompany Rahul on the chaupal stage. However, he was later allowed to sit on the stage.