BJP MLA Halts Jal Shakti Minister’s Convoy, Demands Drinking Water Projects and Road Repairs

Lucknow: A brief but tense political face-off unfolded in Uttar Pradesh’s Mahoba district when the convoy of Jal Shakti Minister Swatantra Dev Singh was stopped on a busy road by a ruling party MLA and his supporters, triggering sharp exchanges and a flurry of political reactions.

The incident took place as the minister was heading back after attending a youth-focused public event in the district. A group led by Charkhari MLA Brijbhushan Rajput positioned vehicles across the road, forcing the minister’s convoy to halt. The protest was aimed at highlighting unresolved local issues linked to drinking water projects and damaged roads.

Supporters accompanying the MLA alleged that roads dug up under the Jal Jeevan Mission had not been repaired for years and claimed that several villages were still struggling for regular water supply. As slogans were raised, tempers flared between party workers and security staff, resulting in a brief scuffle before senior police and revenue officials stepped in to defuse the situation.

The minister reportedly stepped out of his vehicle and directly confronted the MLA. During the exchange, he assured that complaints would not be ignored. “If officials are found negligent, they will not be spared,” the minister said, adding that he was ready to personally inspect the affected areas along with local representatives and officers.

Videos of the roadside confrontation later circulated online, with some posts claiming that the minister was deliberately detained. However, district officials rejected these claims, stating that the situation was brought under control quickly and the convoy resumed its journey soon after.

Speaking later, MLA Brijbhushan Rajput clarified that the protest was not an act of rebellion. “Raising people’s issues is my duty. Water pipelines are leaking, roads are broken, and projects remain unfinished. I have raised these concerns many times,” he said.