On February 17th, during a press conference in Lucknow, Congress leader and former MP Udit Raj made controversial remarks about Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati. His statements have incited a strong reaction from Mayawati's nephew and political successor, Akash Anand, who has issued an ultimatum to UP Police to arrest Udit Raj within 24 hours. Notably, Udit Raj was previously affiliated with the BSP, later joining BJP and becoming an MP from Delhi. In 2019, he switched allegiances to Congress when denied a ticket by BJP.
Udit Raj, referencing an episode from the Mahabharata during the press conference, stated, 'Arjun asked how he would kill his kin? Krishna replied that there are no relations; fight for justice and kill. Our Krishna has told me that the enemy of social justice must be eliminated, and that enemy is Mayawati, who has smothered the social movement. It's time to bring an end to it.'
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This declaration has incensed the Bahujan Samaj Party's National Media Coordinator, Akash Anand. He posted on X, 'Today in Lucknow, some old associates of Manyavar Kanshiram Saheb, and opportunists like Udit Raj, have attempted to exploit Saheb's mission for personal gains. Udit Raj is infamous for seeking opportunities in different parties. His concern for the Bahujan movement is merely a means to become an MP or MLA. He is not genuinely interested in the upliftment of Bahujan society.'
Akash Anand continued, 'I'm a young warrior for the Bahujan mission, but Udit Raj claims to understand Baba Saheb and Kanshiram Saheb's mission better than anyone. The kind of threats he's issuing in his speeches is completely unacceptable to the millions of soldiers of the Bahujan mission. His selfish opportunism forgets the mission of Saheb, and this sycophant now dares threaten our esteemed sister Kumari Mayawati with a vile threat. I urge the UP Police to arrest these offenders within 24 hours and take stern legal action, or the Bahujan youth of this nation will not stay silent. We know very well how to retaliate against such threats.'
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BJP has also taken offense to Congress leader Udit Raj's statement regarding Mayawati. Amit Malviya, head of BJP's media cell, posted on X, 'Congress's Udit Raj claims his Krishna has instructed him to eliminate BSP chief Mayawati. Is Rahul Gandhi the one bestowed with Krishna's title? Has Congress become so frustrated that violence in language and politics takes precedence? While political rivalry is one thing, advocating such violence is completely unjustifiable. Congress has always been anti-Dalit, as demonstrated by this sinister mentality. Previously, the SP similarly orchestrated a life-threatening attack on Mayawati. Both SP and Congress have constantly deceived Dalits and backward classes in the guise of social justice.'