Lucknow – Former Lok Sabha MP Udit Raj has ignited a political storm with his controversial comments against Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president Mayawati, accusing her of “strangling the social movement” and suggesting that it was time to politically “strangle” her.
Speaking to reporters in Lucknow, Raj invoked a reference from the Mahabharata, stating, “When Arjun asked Lord Krishna how he would kill his cousins and relatives during the Mahabharat war, Lord Krishna replied that there are no cousins and relatives. Kill your own people while fighting for justice. My Krishna instructed me today—first, kill your enemy.”
His remarks quickly drew sharp reactions, prompting Raj to later clarify his statement, insisting that he meant “political strangulation” and not a literal act of violence. “It is incorrect to change and modify everything at once. During political mentions, the terms ‘political death’ and ‘murder of democracy’ are often used and interpreted in that context. Otherwise, no,” he told PTI on Tuesday.
A widely circulated video also captured Raj defending his “galaa ghot dena chahiye” (should be strangled) remark by claiming that his “Krishna” had commanded him to do so. “Former judge of Allahabad High Court Justice Sabhajit Yadav, the patron of Dalit, OBC, Minorities, and Adivasi (DOMA) Parisangh, was also present with me,” he said. “I have found my Arjuna,” he added, referring to himself, while Justice Yadav called him “Krishna.”
Raj accused Mayawati of betraying the Bahujan cause, stating, “She strangled the movement of the Bahujan community—crores of cadres who built the party by staying hungry and thirsty.” He claimed that under her leadership, BSP workers faced extreme hardships, including selling their homes and forgoing their children’s education, yet they remained dedicated to the cause.
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Raj also touched upon the plight of the Muslim community, drawing parallels to the historical struggles faced by Dalits. “The Muslim community is going through the same phase today as Dalits once did. They cannot fight the battle alone. Dalits alone are also not competent on their own. Whenever the Muslim community raises an issue, it is branded as communalism,” he remarked.
Highlighting the legacy of BSP founder Kanshiram, Raj noted that the Bahujan movement gained momentum in the 1980s and peaked in the 2000s. “Unlike other political parties, BSP was built on the foundation of social justice,” he said, lamenting that its original ideology had been diluted.
The controversy surrounding Raj’s remarks has sparked debates within political circles, with BSP leaders condemning his statements and calling for strict action. Meanwhile, Raj remains firm on his stance, asserting that his words were being misinterpreted for political gain.
With political tensions escalating, it remains to be seen how this dispute will impact the Bahujan movement and the upcoming political landscape in Uttar Pradesh.
