Former Uttar Pradesh Minister Swami Prasad Maurya, currently serving as National President of the Apni Janata Party, was attacked during a welcome ceremony in Raebareli on August 6, 2025. The incident has sparked political controversy and raised questions about law and order in the state.
Watch Swami Prasad Maurya Slapped in Raebareli (Aug 6, 2025)
The Incident: What Happened in Raebareli
On Wednesday, August 6, 2025, Swami Prasad Maurya was traveling from Lucknow to Fatehpur when he stopped at Saras Chowk (intersection) in the Mill Area police station jurisdiction of Raebareli. During his brief halt, local party workers organized a welcome ceremony, garlanding him with flowers as part of traditional Indian political protocol.
The incident occurred when Maurya stepped out of his vehicle to greet the crowd of supporters who had gathered to welcome him. As the garlanding ceremony was underway, two unidentified youths approached him from behind under the pretext of offering garlands. In a shocking turn of events, one of the attackers, later identified as Rohit Dwivedi, suddenly slapped Maurya on the back of his head after garlanding him.
The entire incident was captured on camera and subsequently went viral on social media platforms. The video clearly shows the moment when the attacker approaches Maurya from behind, participates in the garlanding ceremony, and then suddenly strikes him before attempting to flee the scene.
Swami Prasad Maurya’s Media Statement After the Raebareli Slapping Incident
The Attackers: Identity and Motivation
The main attacker has been identified as Rohit Dwivedi, who claimed to be a member of the Karni Sena organization. According to police interrogation, Dwivedi justified his actions by stating that “Swami constantly opposes Sanatan, so he was attacked.” He specifically told authorities that Maurya “continuously insults Brahmins, Lord Ram, and Sanatan Dharma, which is why we attacked him.”
The second person involved in the incident has been identified as Shivam Yadav. Both individuals were present at the scene and were immediately apprehended by Maurya’s supporters following the attack.
| Attacker Name | Affiliation | Claimed Motivation | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rohit Dwivedi | Karni Sena member | Opposes Maurya for insulting Brahmins and Sanatan | Detained and questioned |
| Shivam Yadav | Unknown/Accomplice | Present during incident | Detained and questioned |
Immediate Aftermath and Police Action
The attack triggered an immediate and violent response from Maurya’s supporters who were present at the scene. The crowd quickly caught both attackers and began beating them severely before police could intervene. The supporters were enraged by what they perceived as a cowardly attack on their leader.
Circle Officer (Sadar) Amit Singh of Raebareli Police confirmed that both accused were detained for questioning. Police statements noted: “In the crowd of the supporters, there were two people who held garlands in their hands and misbehaved with him.” The police had to work hard to rescue the attackers from the angry crowd and provide them with medical treatment due to injuries sustained during the beating.
Mill Area Police Station Head Ajay Rai stated that the youths had misbehaved with the former minister and attempted to attack him. Legal action was initiated by registering a case against both accused.
Political Reactions and Accusations
Following the attack, Maurya launched a scathing critique of the Uttar Pradesh government led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. He made several pointed accusations:
- Karni Sena Involvement: Maurya directly blamed the Karni Sena organization for orchestrating the attack, calling them “insects and pests in the name of Karni Sena” who are “openly flouting law and order.”
- Government Complicity: He accused the state government of providing protection to the attackers, stating: “A few insects from Karni Sena repeatedly trample over the law, but since they belong to the same community as Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the state government remains silent against such mafia elements.”
- Law and Order Breakdown: Maurya argued that the incident demonstrated the deteriorating law and order situation in the state, pointing out that the attack occurred in the presence of police personnel.
- Caste Politics: He alleged that members of a particular caste (Rajputs/Thakurs) have been given a “license” to commit crimes with impunity.
Bhim Army Chief and Nagina MP Chandrashekhar Azad condemned the attack, calling it “condemnable and shameful.” He emphasized that “in democracy, the solution to ideological disagreements is debate and dialogue, not violence.” The Azad Samaj Party demanded strict action against the attackers.
Understanding the Karni Sena Connection
The Karni Sena is a Rajput organization founded on September 23, 2006, in Jhotwara, Jaipur, primarily by unemployed Rajput youth under the leadership of Lokendra Singh Kalvi. Named after Karni Mata, considered the mother deity of Rajasthani Rajputs, the organization has multiple factions with different leaders.
Organization’s History and Objectives
The Karni Sena was initially formed to:
- Demand caste-based reservations for Rajputs in government jobs and education
- Protect Rajput culture and traditions
- Address the alleged “sidelining of Rajput figures in textbooks”
- Elect more Rajput legislators to government positions
Notable Controversies
The organization gained national attention through several high-profile controversies:
| Controversy | Year(s) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Padmaavat Protests | 2017-2018 | Violent protests against the film Padmaavat over perceived distortions of Rajput history and hurt sentiments. |
| Film Industry Targets | Various | Opposition to films depicting historical Muslim rulers and their interactions with Hindu subjects. |
| Recent Activities | 2025 | Protests against SP MP Ramji Lal Suman for controversial remarks about Rana Sanga. |
Swami Prasad Maurya: A Controversial Political Figure
Political Journey
Swami Prasad Maurya has served as a cabinet minister under three different governments:
| Government | Tenure |
|---|---|
| Mayawati’s BSP government | 1996-2006 |
| Yogi Adityanath’s BJP government | 2016-2022 |
| Brief Association with Samajwadi Party | 2022-2024 |
Currently, Maurya serves as the National President of his own political outfit, which has evolved through several iterations.
Party Evolution
- February 2024: Launched Rashtriya Shoshit Samaj Party (RSSP) after leaving the Samajwadi Party.
- June 2025: Formed Lok Morcha, a coalition of nine small parties, declaring himself as the Chief Ministerial candidate for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.
Controversial Statements and Past Attacks
Maurya has a history of making controversial statements about Hindu religious texts and traditions, which have made him a target for various Hindu organizations.
- Ramcharitmanas Controversy: In 2023, Maurya triggered a major controversy by alleging that certain verses of the Hindu epic Ramcharitmanas “insult” a large section of society on the basis of caste and demanded that these verses be “banned.” His supporters even burned copies of the text, leading to widespread condemnation.
- Sanatan Dharma Comments: Maurya has repeatedly made statements questioning Hindu religious practices, such as claiming “Hinduism is a hoax,” alleging a Brahmin conspiracy, and calling Hinduism a “deception” designed to mislead people.
- Previous Attack Incidents: This is not his first attack. In August 2023, a shoe was hurled at him during a Samajwadi Party event. He has faced multiple attacks and threats due to his statements on religious texts and practices.
The Viral Video and Social Media Impact
The incident was extensively captured on video, which quickly went viral across social media platforms. The footage clearly shows the setup with Maurya surrounded by supporters during the garlanding ceremony, the attack by Rohit Dwivedi, the immediate capture and beating of the attackers by angry supporters, and police intervention struggling to rescue the attackers from the crowd.
The viral nature of the video has amplified the political impact of the incident, with various news channels and social media platforms extensively covering the story.
Political Implications and Analysis
Impact on Uttar Pradesh Politics
This incident occurs at a crucial time in Uttar Pradesh politics, with the 2027 Assembly elections approaching. Several factors make this significant:
| Factors | Description |
|---|---|
| OBC Politics | As a prominent OBC leader, Maurya’s attack could influence backward caste voting patterns. |
| Law and Order Narrative | The incident provides ammunition for opposition to question the BJP government’s ability to maintain law and order. |
| Religious Polarization | The attack by alleged Karni Sena members against Maurya for his anti-Hindu statements could further polarize religious sentiments. |
Maurya’s Political Strategy
Despite the attack, Maurya positions himself as a champion of oppressed communities. His Lok Morcha coalition aims to provide an alternative to both the BJP-led NDA and the SP-led opposition alliance. The coalition’s slogan, “UP Bachao, BJP Hatao” (Save UP, Remove BJP), directly challenges the ruling party and positions Maurya as a third alternative in state politics.
Law Enforcement Response and Investigation
The Raebareli Police, under the supervision of Circle Officer Amit Singh, immediately took both accused into custody. The investigation is ongoing, with police collecting evidence and recording witness statements. A case has been registered against Rohit Dwivedi and Shivam Yadav for the attack on the former minister. The incident has raised questions about the security arrangements for political leaders, especially those who make controversial statements, since the attack occurred in the presence of police personnel.
Broader Context: Religious Politics in Uttar Pradesh
The attack on Maurya represents a broader trend of vigilante action by Hindu nationalist groups against those they perceive as insulting Hindu religion or culture. The Karni Sena’s involvement aligns with their pattern of taking direct action against perceived slights to Hindu/Rajput honor.
The incident also highlights Uttar Pradesh’s complex caste dynamics: Rajput organizations like Karni Sena frequently clash with OBC leaders like Maurya who challenge traditional hierarchies, contributing to ongoing political realignments in the state.
Media Coverage and Public Reaction
The incident received extensive coverage across various media platforms. Traditional media such as India TV, Zee News, and News18 provided comprehensive coverage with video footage and expert analysis.
On social media, the viral video generated significant discussion debating:
- The appropriateness of Maurya’s controversial statements
- The legitimacy of vigilante action by groups like Karni Sena
- The state government’s role in maintaining law and order
- The broader implications for religious harmony in the state
Conclusion: A Reflection of Deeper Political Tensions
The August 6, 2025 attack on Swami Prasad Maurya in Raebareli represents more than just an isolated incident of political violence. It reflects deeper tensions within Uttar Pradesh’s political and social landscape:
- Religious and Cultural Conflicts: The ongoing struggle between traditional Hindu religious sentiment and progressive political rhetoric challenging established narratives.
- Caste Politics: Upper-caste organizations like Karni Sena clashing with OBC leaders who challenge traditional hierarchies.
- Law and Order Challenges: Questions about the state’s ability to protect political figures and maintain law and order.
- Political Implications: Possible influence on voter behavior, especially among OBC communities, ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
The viral video ensures this incident will be remembered as political parties prepare for upcoming elections. Whether it helps or hurts Maurya’s ambitions remains to be seen, but it solidifies his image as a leader challenging religious and social orthodoxies despite personal risks.