Party Worker Assaults Mahendra Rajbhar During Public Gathering in Uttar Pradesh

A shocking incident occurred during a public event in Uttar Pradesh's Jaunpur district, where Mahendra Rajbhar, the national president of the Suheldev Swabhiman Party (SSP), was slapped repeatedly by a party worker. The assault happened soon after he was garlanded on stage. A video of this incident quickly spread across social media platforms, drawing widespread attention.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav condemned the attack, describing it as another instance of atrocities against backward classes, Dalits, and minorities, collectively referred to as PDA. Yadav accused the BJP of being involved in the incident. "The violent attack on senior leader Mahendra Rajbhar is yet another condemnable example of the growing insults and atrocities faced by the PDA society under BJP rule," Yadav posted in Hindi on X.

Allegations and Accusations

Mahendra Rajbhar accused Uttar Pradesh Cabinet minister and Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) president Om Prakash Rajbhar of orchestrating the attack. He claimed that Brijesh Rajbhar, who assaulted him, had met Om Prakash Rajbhar days before the event. However, Om Prakash Rajbhar and the SBSP have not issued any statements regarding these allegations.

The incident took place at Ashapur village during a function commemorating Maharaja Suheldev's victory day. The event aimed to perform bhoomi pujan for installing a statue of the revered Rajbhar icon in Zafarabad Assembly constituency. Mahendra Rajbhar, originally from Mau district, was the chief guest at this gathering.

Police Investigation Underway

Following the assault, Mahendra Rajbhar filed a complaint at Jalalpur police station against Brijesh Rajbhar. Jalalpur SHO Triveni Singh confirmed that an investigation is ongoing and that the viral video is being reviewed as part of this process. "If the BJP is not complicit in this attack, the assailant must be immediately arrested and punished for his actions," Yadav said.

Brijesh Rajbhar was once associated with Mahendra Rajbhar's party but currently holds no official position. Mahendra expressed confusion over Brijesh's presence at the event, stating there were no internal disputes or financial disagreements within his party.

Political Context and Reactions

Mahendra Rajbhar previously served as SBSP's national vice-president before forming his own party ahead of the 2022 Assembly elections. He parted ways with Om Prakash Rajbhar over allegations of deviating from party goals for personal financial gains. In Zafarabad, SBSP's Jagdish Narayan Rai represents the constituency after winning in 2022 as part of an alliance with Samajwadi Party.

Akhilesh Yadav further criticised BJP's divisive politics, suggesting such acts would only strengthen PDA's resolve. "Violence is a manifestation of desperation. The BJP should remember that such acts will not demoralise the PDA but strengthen its resolve further. Long live the Constitution, long live the PDA," he added.

The incident has sparked significant political discourse in Uttar Pradesh, highlighting tensions between various parties and communities. As investigations continue, all eyes remain on how authorities will handle this politically sensitive case.

With inputs from PTI