Ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly election, political strategist and founder of the Swaraj India Party, Yogendra Yadav, was heckled by activists from Prakash Ambedkar’s Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) in Akola during an event for the 'Bharat Jodo' campaign. The altercation escalated beyond mere scuffles, as the activists vocally protested and vandalised furniture at the gathering.
The situation intensified until the police arrived to create a perimeter around Yogendra Yadav, ensuring his safety amid the chaos. According to news agency PTI, the VBA workers threw chairs at the venue and were protesting against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's comments on reservations. Videos surfaced on social media depicting the chaos that ensued.
Following the event, Yogendra Yadav took to his X account to express his concerns, stating, "The attack on me and my colleagues from the Bharat Jodo campaign today in Maharashtra is a matter of serious concern for every lover of democracy."
In his post, he elaborated on the events, revealing that initially one person got on the stage and snatched the microphone following this a crowd of 40-50 individuals surged onto the stage to disrupt his speech during a conference themed "Defence of the Constitution and Our Vote." He noted, "We sat tight while local colleagues formed a protective circle around us. Even after the police's arrival, the rioters continued their assault and vandalism... The meeting was abruptly concluded."
Reflecting on his experiences, Yogendra Yadav remarked that he had delivered lectures in various parts of Maharashtra over the past 25 years, but had never encountered such hostility before. "This is not just unfortunate for Maharashtra but for all those who believe in the Constitution and democracy. This incident further strengthens our commitment to protecting our democracy," he asserted. He concluded with a resolute statement, "To those afraid of my voice—I'll return to Akola!"
'Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi Workers Shamed Prakash Ambedkar': Yogendra Yadav
During a subsequent press conference, Yogendra Yadav addressed the assailants, stating, "I do not know anyone, but local colleagues have taken 24 names. They are people of Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi. One of our colleagues asked why you did this? Then a man said it was the order of the 'sahab.' I do not know who the 'sahab' is. If the people of Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi have done this, then I am very surprised. Yogendra Yadav is a very small man; you have not attacked him, but rather the Constitution of Baba Saheb and the democracy you speak of day and night. You have shamed your leader Prakash Ambedkar."
"Prakash Ambedkar and I have been friends for 15 years. There is no doubt that Prakash Ambedkar's line of thinking and ours are different, but such an attack due to differences of opinion is beyond my imagination. I do not consider Prakash Ambedkar to be a person who could carry out such an act."