By Arshad Shaikh
AKOLA(Maharashtra): Renowned social activist Yogendra Yadav was allegedly heckled, shoved, and chased out of a public event in Akola by Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) supporters. Yadav, the national convener of the Bharat Jodo Abhiyan, was attending a symposium titled “Samvidhan ki Raksha aur Humara Vote” (Protection of Constitution and Our Vote), organized by the Maharashtra Democratic Forum (MDF), when the incident occurred.
The gathering was part of a three-day tour across Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region, intended to raise awareness about constitutional threats in the run-up to the state assembly elections on November 20. Among the audience were Ambedkarite youth and people from tribal communities. The symposium was proceeding smoothly, with speakers addressing critical socio-political topics, until tensions flared midway through Yadav’s speech.
As he took the stage, a group of VBA supporters barged in, overturning chairs and grabbing microphones. Despite Yadav’s appeals for calm, the disruptions escalated. Police intervened, escorting Yadav and fellow activist Ulka Mahajan out of the hall amid growing chaos. The aggressors reportedly chased them to their vehicle and vandalized property on-site, leading to further condemnation from various quarters.
Yogendra Yadav’s Reaction: A Threat to Democracy
Reflecting on the incident, Yadav expressed deep concern about the implications for democracy. Speaking to the media, he stated, “I have given numerous talks across Maharashtra for the last 25 years, but never faced such hostility. What happened today is deeply disturbing and should worry every democrat. Yet, I am determined—if the people of Akola invite me again, I will return.”
Yadav recounted that the disruption began just as he started addressing the audience. “Initially, a man stormed the stage and grabbed the microphone. Soon, dozens more joined him, shouting and aggressively advancing towards us. Despite my repeated requests to let me speak and answer their questions, it became clear they had no intention of engaging in dialogue. Their sole purpose was to create chaos.” He praised his colleagues for trying to shield him and hold back the mob for several minutes, but the situation quickly became dangerous. “When the police intervened, they escorted us to a vehicle, but the attackers pursued us, smashing chairs and other equipment in their path,” Yadav shared.
Yadav expressed dismay that the mob seemed intent on disrupting any discussion on issues such as democracy, minority rights, and reservations. He asserted, “Our message is simple: We don’t have any candidates of our own; our candidate is the Constitution. But incidents like these reflect an alarming intolerance towards free speech and healthy debate.” In a video posted on X, formerly Twitter, Yadav reiterated his commitment to democracy, stating, “This attack only strengthens our resolve to protect constitutional values.”
Condemnation from JIH and MDF
The attack drew swift condemnation from civil society groups, with the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) and the Maharashtra Democratic Forum (MDF) issuing statements denouncing the violence. Maulana Ilyas Khan Falahi, President of JIH Maharashtra, labelled the attack a “grave assault on democratic values.” In a media statement, he remarked, “The incident is deeply troubling. It reflects not just an attack on individuals but on the spirit of open discourse that is essential for a healthy democracy. Violence and intimidation have no place in a democratic society. Every citizen must have the freedom to express their views without fear. This attack appears to have been orchestrated to silence voices that promote unity and justice. We call upon all justice-loving citizens to condemn such behaviour unequivocally and safeguard the principles enshrined in the Constitution.”
Shaikh Abdul Mujeeb, Secretary of MDF, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that democracy thrives on debate, not intimidation. “The intrusion by anti-social elements was a direct attempt to sabotage democracy and silence voices that challenge injustice. MDF is committed to promoting civic dialogue and protecting minority rights, and such acts will not deter us from our mission,” he stated. Mujeeb called for the political climate in Maharashtra to remain conducive to free speech and demanded a thorough investigation into the incident.
VBA’s Response: Tough Questions Went Unanswered
VBA supporters justified their actions by alleging that the event had turned into a campaign rally for the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance. According to them, Yadav and the speakers failed to address critical questions about Congress’ role in undermining reservations and neglecting marginalized communities.
In a statement shared by VBA on social media, it was argued that the crowd’s dissatisfaction arose from the speakers’ failure to address contentious topics such as the Congress’ stance on the Waqf Board, the nomination of controversial candidates like Chaudhary Lal Singh, and the demolition of the Babri Masjid. VBA supporters claimed that Yadav avoided direct answers and left the event abruptly without engaging in meaningful discussion.
“Congress took the votes of Dalits, Muslims, and OBCs to defeat the BJP, but now it acts no differently. We only asked uncomfortable questions, but instead of answering, the organizers tried to suppress us,” read a statement from Prabuddh Bharat, a newspaper affiliated with VBA. VBA workers accused the Bharat Jodo Abhiyan and MDF of using the event as a platform to promote Congress while ignoring other political alternatives. “If the event was truly about saving the Constitution, why was the focus only on the MVA alliance? Why were other parties not given space in the discussion?” questioned VBA activist Sachin Shirale.
A Test for Maharashtra’s Political Climate
Following the splits within Shiv Sena in 2022 and the NCP in 2023, there are six major political parties in the fray. One alliance consists of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, the BJP, and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s faction of the NCP. Opposing them is a coalition comprising the Congress, Sharad Pawar’s NCP (SP), and Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT). A third front has also emerged, led by legislator Bachchu Kadu, joined by smaller parties such as Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati’s Swarajya Paksha and Raju Shetti’s Swabhimani Sanghatana. Other minor players include Prakash Ambedkar’s Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) and Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). The attack on Yogendra Yadav brings the volatile political atmosphere in Maharashtra to the fore. The disruption at the symposium shows frustrations among certain segments of the population regarding political alliances and perceived betrayals. As Maharashtra gears up for elections, will the incidents like the one in Akola become the new norm? Despite the attack, Yadav has vowed to continue his mission. “We are here to protect the Constitution and promote democracy. No amount of intimidation will deter us,” he declared.
