Mayawati Halts Press Conference Amid Smoke Incident on Her Birthday

Incident During Press Conference

During a press conference on her birthday, Mayawati, the leader of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), abruptly stopped her address when smoke was observed coming from a lighting device. This event occurred while she was discussing the achievements of her party and its alliances.

Political Commentary

Mayawati criticized both the Congress and BJP for employing various tactics to undermine the BSP movement. She noted that during a recent assembly session, Brahmin legislators convened to express their concerns regarding injustices and oppression, which she deemed a natural response.

Support for Brahmins

She emphasized that the BSP has always accorded due respect to Brahmins, asserting that they do not require anyone's charity. Mayawati urged them not to be swayed by the BJP, SP, or Congress. She promised that under a BSP government, Brahmins would receive full respect, with attention also given to the Kshatriya and Jat communities, while ensuring the welfare of Dalits and minorities.

Historical Context

In 2007, Mayawati launched an initiative by fielding Brahmin candidates in 86 assembly seats, referring to it as 'social engineering.' The BSP's symbol, the elephant, became associated with Dalits, leading to a new slogan: 'The Brahmin will blow the conch, and the elephant will advance.' She explained that the elephant symbolizes not just an animal but also the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. This strategy proved successful, as 41 Brahmin candidates won under the BSP banner, allowing Mayawati to form a majority government. She appears to be attempting to replicate this strategy now.

Critique of Current Government

Mayawati criticized the Samajwadi Party (SP) government for its history of lawlessness, recalling an attack on her at the State Guest House and the oppression faced by Dalits. She claimed that her government has always supported the Yadav community and will continue to do so. The current BJP administration, according to her, has left the general public, especially Dalits, in distress, with deteriorating law and order in the state. She asserted that the public desires a BSP government and raised concerns about electoral fraud, advocating for elections to be conducted via paper ballots.

Smoke Incident

#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: Fire extinguisher being used to douse smoke after short circuit at BSP supremo Mayawati's press conference in Lucknow. pic.twitter.com/BEaATLDyiB

— News Media (@NewsMedia) January 15, 2026