Prayagraj: A local Bharatiya Janata Party councillor has been formally booked by police following an incident where he slapped a party worker who questioned Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya regarding equity regulations set by the University Grants Commission. The confrontation, which was captured on video and spread widely across social media, has drawn criticism from within the party ranks alongside demands for disciplinary measures from a local legislator.
The altercation occurred during a BJP event known as the Prabuddh Sammelan, held at the Parade Ground in Prayagraj. During the proceedings, party worker Rohit Tiwari, also known as Kaka, alongside another individual, raised questions directed at Maurya concerning the stayed University Grants Commission Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026. These regulations were originally designed to address caste-based discrimination within academic institutions.
As Maurya spoke to the assembled crowd, the two men shouted inquiries regarding the policy. In response, Maurya instructed them to remain quiet and assured the gathering that he would address all concerns without hesitation. Security personnel subsequently intervened and escorted the men away from the stage area.
Following their removal, BJP councillor Vinay Mishra approached the individuals, grabbed Tiwari, and struck him. Tiwari formally lodged a police complaint at the Daraganj police station, prompting authorities to register an official first information report against the councillor.
In the wake of the incident, Allahabad North BJP MLA Harshvardhan Bajpai publicly criticized the episode, asserting that leadership should have taken direct action against the councillor for the assault. Bajpai described Tiwari as a dedicated party member hailing from the Gangapar area of Koraon who was not attempting to embarrass the organization.
Bajpai further remarked that the gathering functioned largely as a Brahmin conference and noted that the topic of UGC reservations carried significant emotional weight for community members concerned about future implications. He stated that the humiliation of the young worker had caused distress among local constituents.
The underlying UGC regulations in question were initially notified in mid-January, though the Supreme Court subsequently placed an interim stay on implementation later that same month following widespread protests and criticism regarding potential misuse. The ongoing police investigation and calls for accountability continue to highlight internal tensions within the regional party structure.