Lucknow BJP MLA Burned During Protest Visits Akhilesh Yadav

A BJP MLA in Lucknow was seriously injured by flames during a protest against Akhilesh Yadav. She is in the ICU with burns on 60-75% of her face.
By Newsroom | Politics, India |

Lucknow, India - Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav made a hospital visit on Tuesday to Anupama Jaiswal, a Bharatiya Janata Party MLA who sustained burn injuries earlier this week. Jaiswal was injured while attempting to set an effigy of Yadav ablaze during a protest concerning the Women's Reservation Bill. Yadav's visit, intended to convey well wishes for her recovery, has been framed by his party as a demonstration of "social harmony" and a commitment to "positive politics," even as political tensions simmer.

The incident occurred on Saturday during a BJP-led protest. Eyewitness accounts suggest an explosive flare-up, described as similar to a firecracker, caused flames to leap towards Jaiswal's face. Doctors report that the injuries are significant, with varying reports stating around 60 to 75 percent of her face affected, including her ear, forehead, eyebrows, nose, lips, and partially one eye. She is currently undergoing treatment in the ICU.

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SP chief Akhilesh visits BJP MLA who suffered burn injuries while burning his effigy, pushes for social harmony, positive politics - 1

A Gesture of Harmony or Political Play?

Yadav, upon visiting Jaiswal at the hospital, explicitly stated his desire for "harmony" in society, emphasizing that his party does not promote hostility. "Let there be harmony, let there be harmony," he was quoted as saying. This act of visiting a political opponent, especially one injured during a protest against him, has been highlighted by the Samajwadi Party as reflective of their dedication to social cohesion over political antagonism.

The BJP MLA's husband, Ashok Jaiswal, characterized Yadav's visit as a display of "human sensitivity and democratic courtesy," acknowledging that political differences are a natural part of democracy, but personal concern and humanitarian values transcend these divides.

SP chief Akhilesh visits BJP MLA who suffered burn injuries while burning his effigy, pushes for social harmony, positive politics - 2

Background: The Protest and the Injury

The protest, a 'Mahila Janaakrosh March' in Bahraich, involved BJP workers burning effigies of opposition leaders, including Akhilesh Yadav and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The injury to Anupama Jaiswal occurred when she attempted to ignite Yadav's effigy. An unexpected flare-up caused the burns. She was initially treated at a local hospital before being transferred to Lucknow for further medical attention.

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Other political figures, including Lucknow Mayor Sushma Kharkwal, and state BJP leaders like president Pankaj Chaudhary and Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana, have also reportedly been in contact with the family and visited the hospital. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, despite being occupied with election campaigning, also reportedly spoke with the injured MLA and directed authorities to ensure her treatment.

The incident has drawn attention to the volatile nature of political protests and the blurred lines between vigorous opposition and personal safety. While Yadav's visit emphasizes a more conciliatory approach, the underlying political friction remains palpable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is Anupama Jaiswal and how was she injured?
Anupama Jaiswal is a BJP MLA from Lucknow. She was injured on Saturday when flames from an effigy she was trying to light during a protest against Akhilesh Yadav flared up and burned her face.
Q: What injuries did Anupama Jaiswal sustain?
Doctors say she has burns on 60 to 75 percent of her face, including her ear, forehead, eyebrows, nose, lips, and one eye. She is currently in the ICU.
Q: Did Akhilesh Yadav visit Anupama Jaiswal in the hospital?
Yes, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav visited BJP MLA Anupama Jaiswal in the hospital on Tuesday to wish her a speedy recovery.
Q: How did the BJP MLA's husband react to Akhilesh Yadav's visit?
The husband of the injured MLA, Ashok Jaiswal, called the visit a sign of 'human sensitivity and democratic courtesy,' stating that personal concern goes beyond political differences.
Q: What was the protest about?
The protest was a 'Mahila Janaakrosh March' led by BJP workers. They were burning effigies of opposition leaders, including Akhilesh Yadav and Rahul Gandhi, to protest the Women's Reservation Bill.
Q: Have other politicians visited or contacted the injured MLA?
Yes, other leaders like Lucknow Mayor Sushma Kharkwal, state BJP president Pankaj Chaudhary, and Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana have visited or contacted the family. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also spoke with her and ordered proper treatment.