Row over Udit Raj's remark on Maya, BSP seeks action

Congress leader Udit Raj's controversial statement against Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati that she has 'strangled the social movement and now the time has come to strangle her' has sparked strong reactions from the BSP leaders as they demand strict action against him.

- HT Correspondent

LUCKNOW: Congress leader Udit Raj's controversial statement against Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati that she has 'strangled the social movement and now the time has come to strangle her' has sparked strong reactions from the BSP leaders as they demand strict action against him.

The BSP workers took to the street in Lucknow and other cities on Tuesday, demanding action against Udit Raj--also a former Lok Sabha MP. BSP chief Mayawati and party's national coordinator Aakash Anand demanded his arrest within 24 hours.

Addressing a press conference in Lucknow on Monday, Udit Raj said, "Mayawati has strangled the social movement and it is time to strangle her." Calling for Dalit and Muslim communities to unite to take on their oppressors, he said, "Muslims cannot fight this alone... the Dalits are also not capable alone."

Referring to the Mahabharata and Lord Krishna's advice to Arjuna, he said, "When during the war in Mahabharata, Arjun asked Krishna, 'how will I kill my cousins and relatives', Krishna said, 'fight for justice and kill your own people'."