Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday visited a hospital in Lucknow to enquire about the health of BJP MLA Anupama Jaiswal, who suffered serious burn injuries during a protest in Bahraich earlier this week.
Jaiswal is currently undergoing treatment at Medanta Hospital after she was injured while setting fire to an effigy during a political demonstration held in support of the Centre’s Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.
Accident During Protest Turns Serious
The incident took place on Saturday during a BJP-led “Mahila Janakrosh March.” Eyewitnesses said the fire suddenly flared up, almost like an explosion, and engulfed Jaiswal’s face while she was trying to burn the effigy of opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav.
She was first taken to a local hospital and later shifted to Lucknow for advanced treatment. Doctors said she has suffered severe burns, with nearly 75% of her face affected, along with injuries to her ear, forehead and eyes. She is being treated in the ICU under the supervision of specialists.
“We Want Harmony, Not Discord”: Akhilesh Yadav
After meeting Jaiswal and her family, Akhilesh Yadav shared a message stressing the need for peace over political conflict.
“We do not want flames of discord in society, but harmony and goodwill. Our positive political tradition has taught us this,” he said.
“That is why we visited BJP MLA Anupama Jaiswal and wished her a speedy recovery. Politics has its place, but human relationships are equally important. Harmony must prevail,” he added.
Family Calls Visit a Gesture of Humanity
Jaiswal’s husband, Ashok Jaiswal, appreciated the visit and described it as a sign of “human sensitivity and democratic courtesy.”
He said, “Political differences are part of democracy, but concern for someone’s health is above politics. We are grateful that he came to meet her.”
He also said that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had spoken to Jaiswal despite being busy with election campaigning and had ensured proper medical care.
Leaders Across Parties Visit Injured MLA
Several BJP leaders have also visited or contacted the family, including state president Pankaj Chaudhary, Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana and Lucknow Mayor Sushma Kharkwal.
Later in the day, Deputy Chief Ministers Brajesh Pathak and Keshav Prasad Maurya visited the hospital and wished the MLA a speedy recovery. Other leaders, including Om Prakash Rajbhar, also met her.
Political Reactions and Message Behind the Visit
Senior Samajwadi Party leader Rajendra Chaudhary, who accompanied Yadav, said the visit reflects a tradition of respectful politics.
“Akhilesh Yadav believes in healthy politics. He maintains respect for his opponents on a personal level and follows the values of Mulayam Singh Yadav,” he said.
Some party leaders also see the visit as a broader political message, especially at a time when debates around women’s respect and political conduct are ongoing in the state.
Medical Condition Under Observation
Doctors treating Jaiswal said the full extent of burn injuries usually becomes clear within 48 to 72 hours. Her condition is being closely monitored, and she remains under intensive care.
