Congress Leader Alleges Dictatorship in UP Over Spokesperson's Detention

Shashi Bhushan Dubey, Kanchaniya UP State Bureau Chief, Lucknow

The Cliff News | 3 September 2026

Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee President Mr. Ajay Rai on Thursday visited the residence of Congress spokesperson Kunwar Singh Nishad in Mathura, expressing solidarity with the family and condemning the alleged detention of Nishad by police. Rai accused the state government of imposing an "undeclared dictatorship" and warned that democracy and freedom of expression were under attack in Uttar Pradesh.

During his visit, Rai presented a shawl to Kunwar Singh Nishad's mother, assuring her of the Congress party's unwavering support. The visit was prompted by Nishad's demand for action against Mahant Raju Das, who allegedly made indecent remarks against Nishad and his mother during a live television debate.

Allegations of Dictatorial Governance

Mr. Ajay Rai sharply criticized the Uttar Pradesh government's approach, stating that the police's detention of Kunwar Singh Nishad within his own home exemplifies the administration's disregard for democratic principles. He asserted that such actions represent the government's operational style and its perceived attitude towards democratic norms.

"An undeclared dictatorship has been imposed in the country," Rai stated, emphasizing his concern over the state's governance. He further elaborated on the suppression of dissent, noting that individuals who voice opposition, speak against injustice, or question the government are reportedly being targeted by law enforcement agencies.

"Democracy and the freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution are under constant attack in Uttar Pradesh. Anyone who raises their voice, speaks out against injustice, and questions the government is being suppressed through the police. Deploying police to detain someone at their home raises serious questions about the democratic system."

Demand for Action Against Alleged Insult

Rai highlighted the unfortunate situation where Kunwar Singh Nishad, who is seeking justice for alleged mistreatment and indecent remarks made against his mother, is reportedly being subjected to police control. He alleged that Mahant Raju Das made these derogatory comments during a live TV debate, purportedly at the behest of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The Congress leader called for impartial and prompt legal action in the matter, demanding that Mahant Raju Das be taken into custody. He stressed that the rule of law hinges on equality, asserting that any policy protecting influential figures while silencing victims is detrimental to democracy.

Congress Vows to Uphold Rights

The State Congress President reiterated the party's commitment to fighting for the dignity and rights of marginalized communities, including the backward, Dalit, and deprived sections of society. He vowed that the party would not allow anyone to be silenced through the misuse of power.

Rai further emphasized the sanctity of women's honor, stating that the dignity of any mother, sister, or woman is non-negotiable. He called for strict legal action against individuals who use derogatory language against women on public platforms.

"The honor of any mother, sister, or woman cannot be compromised. Strict action should be taken against those who use derogatory language against women and mothers on public platforms, as per the law."

Spokesperson Expresses Gratitude and Resolve

Congress spokesperson Kunwar Singh Nishad expressed his gratitude to Ajay Rai and the Congress Party for their support. He stated that the party has a long-standing history of opposing injustice and oppression.

Nishad emphasized that his struggle extends beyond personal honor, representing the fight of every individual whose voice is being suppressed. He pledged that the struggle would continue to defend honor, self-respect, freedom of expression, and democratic rights.

The event saw the presence of several other Congress leaders, including District Congress Committee President Mukesh Dhangar, former President of Metropolitan Congress Committee Vikram Balmiki, President of Metropolitan Congress Committee Agra Amit Singh, along with Kaushal Saini, Kanhaiya Nishad, Devendra Nishad, Mandeep Singh Baghel, Anil Sikarwar, Darshan Singh Sikarwar, Mohit Singh, Girish Kumar, Sushil Nishad, Ravi Nishad, Veerpal Singh Chhokar, Shailendra Chaudhary, Monu Kumar Nishad, Karan Singh Nishad, Hemant Kumar, Balveer Pradhan, Deepak Parashar, Hashim Humair, Karan Nishad, Ashok Nishad, Ashish Agarwal, Deepak Dixit, Hariom Upadhyay, Yogesh Nishad, Deepak Singh, Bhagwan Singh, and Rajesh Kumar.

This information was conveyed to journalists through a press release issued by Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee spokesperson Anshu Awasthi.