Mumbai: As preparations intensify for the Maharashtra Assembly elections, political strategist and Swaraj India Party founder Yogendra Yadav faced a violent disruption during a rally in Akola, Maharashtra. Activists from Prakash Ambedkar’s Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi not only heckled Yadav but also chanted slogans and vandalised property, including breaking chairs.
The situation escalated into a scuffle until police intervened, forming a cordon to protect Yadav and manage the chaos. Once the situation was under control, Yadav took to his X account to express his concern, stating that the attack on him and his Bharat Jodo Abhiyaan colleagues in Akola is alarming for anyone who values democracy.
‘Grave concern for every democracy lover’
In a post on X, Yadav wrote, “The attack on me and the colleagues of Bharat Jodo Abhiyan in Akela (Maharashtra) today is a matter of grave concern for every democracy lover. As part of the Vidarbha tour of Bharat Jodo Abhiyan, we were holding a conference on the topic “Protection of the Constitution and our vote”, when a crowd of 40-50 people climbed on the stage and moved towards me to stop me from speaking. We remained seated and the local comrades formed a circle and protected us. Even after the police arrived, the rioters continued to attack and vandalize. The meeting ended there.”
Yadav went on to say that over the past 25 years, he has delivered lectures at numerous venues across Maharashtra, saying that he has never encountered such an incident before. He said that the situation is sad, not just for Maharashtra, but for all who believe in the Constitution and democracy. Yadav said that this event only reinforces their commitment to safeguarding democracy. “To anyone afraid of my voice, hear this—I will return to Akola!” he said.
