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Akhilesh visits BJP MLA who got injured while burning his effigy: ‘Don’t want flames of discord'

When Anupama Jaiswal set the effigy on fire, an explosion resembling a firecracker was heard, and flames leapt directly toward her face causing minor injuries.

Published on: Apr 28, 2026, 17:53:32 IST
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Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday visited a Lucknow hospital to enquire about the health of a BJP MLA who sustained burn injuries during a protest last week.

Akhilesh Yadav visited Lucknow hospital to meet injured BJP MLA Anupama Jaiswal. (X/Akhilesh Yadav)
Akhilesh Yadav visited Lucknow hospital to meet injured BJP MLA Anupama Jaiswal. (X/Akhilesh Yadav)

Anupama Jaiswal, BJP MLA from Bahraich, had sustained burn injuries on Saturday as she tried to set Akhilesh's effigy on fire during a protest over women's reservation issue.

Yadav met the BJP MLA and her family members at the Medanta Hospital in the UP capital and enquired about her condition.

In a post on X, the SP chief wrote: “We do not want flames of discord in society, but harmony and goodwill. Our positive political tradition has taught us this.”

"That is why we visited BJP MLA Anupama Jaiswal and wished her a speedy recovery. Politics has its place, but human relationships are equally important. Harmony must prevail."

Jaiswal's husband Ashok Jaiswal described the visit as a gesture of "human sensitivity and democratic courtesy", according to PTI. He added that UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath had spoken to the injured MLA and issued necessary instructions for her treatment.

How the BJP MLA suffered burn injuries

It all started with a protest by BJP leaders against the Opposition to protest against the women's reservation issue. The protest under the banner of the 'Mahila Janaakrosh March' was held in Lucknow on Saturday afternoon near the district magistrate's residence, where the effigies of Akhilesh and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi were being set ablaze, according to eyewitnesses.

When the MLA set the effigy on fire, an explosion resembling a firecracker was heard, and flames leapt directly toward Jaiswal's face causing minor injuries.

The doctors have said the MLA suffered significant burn injuries, with around 75 per cent of her face affected.

Parts of her ear and forehead have sustained about 60 per cent burns, while injuries have also been reported on her eyebrows, nose, lips and eyes, with one eye partially affected.

Akhilesh Yadav had reacted to the incident sharing the video of the incident on his X account and writing: “Fire lighters, be cautious. Arrangements should be made for the treatment of the woman who sets fires.”

  • Majid Alam
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Majid Alam

    Majid Alam is a Chief Content Producer working at Hindustan Times, based in New Delhi. He currently heads shifts at online desk and manages homepage apart from writing, editing and curating articles. With over six years of experience in journalism, Majid has navigated national, politics and international news. His work primarily focuses on the politics of the Hindi heartland, government policies, and South Asia. He also writes on US and Europe’s policies vis-à-vis India. Before joining Hindustan Times, Majid worked at ABP LIVE as the Chief Copy Editor and at News18, where he managed the World and Explainers sections. His articles have featured in Dialogue Earth, The Quint, BMJ, The Diplomat, and Outlook India. Majid has a keen interest in the use of data for storytelling. Majid holds a Masters in Convergent Journalism from Jamia Millia Islamia. He was awarded the Erasmus+ scholarship to study International Affairs at Sciences Po, Paris in 2020. He is also part of the OCEANS Network, an alumni network of Erasmus+ exchange scholars. He is currently serving as the National Representative (India) at the OCEANS Network. Apart from journalism, Majid has a flair for academic writing and loves to teach. He has published a book chapter: 'Bombay Cinema and Postmodernism' in the book: 'Handbook of Research on Social and Cultural Dynamics in Indian Cinema.' He was also part of the OCEANS Network delegation to Hanoi National University of Education in Vietnam in 2025. He has also given guest lecture in digital journalism at AJK MCRC, Jamia Millia Islamia.Read More

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