In a startling incident, former Uttar Pradesh cabinet minister and Lok Morcha chief Swami Prasad Maurya was allegedly slapped by a Karni Sena worker during a welcome event at Saras Crossing in Rae Bareli on Wednesday. Maurya, en route to Fatehpur, had paused for a brief gathering organized by local supporters when the attack occurred.

According to Circle Officer (Sadar) Amit Singh, two individuals, posing as supporters with garlands, misbehaved and assaulted Maurya from behind. The assailants were swiftly apprehended by Maurya’s supporters, who beat them before handing them over to the police for questioning.

A video of the incident, which went viral on social media, fueled public outrage. Maurya condemned the attack, accusing the Karni Sena of operating with impunity under the patronage of the ruling BJP government. “The goons of Karni Sena are wreaking havoc on law and order, shielded by those in power who share their community ties with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath,” Maurya told reporters. He criticized the state’s silence on such “mafia elements” and highlighted the audacity of the attack in the presence of police, questioning the state of law enforcement.

Labeling the Karni Sena as anarchic, Maurya vowed that his party, Lok Morcha, would fight back through democratic means, announcing plans to contest the 2027 elections with the slogan “BJP Hatao, UP Bachao” (Remove BJP, Save UP). The incident has sparked widespread debate about political violence and security lapses in Uttar Pradesh, raising concerns about the safety of public figures in the state.

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