A viral video that rocked social media depicts a disgraceful street attack on a former minister of Uttar Pradesh, Swami Prasad Maurya. At a recent public event, a man, said to be working with the Karni Sena, walked up to Maurya, stood behind him, and, when he smiled, garlanded him; then, he slapped him on the face, beating him up.
From Respect to Assault: The Attack That Stunned Everyone
What at first glance appeared to be a typical greeting to the citizens was caught on video. One of the men comes up, and with the garland in hand, goes behind Maurya and just drops his slap on the former, amid cameras and guests. The revolutionary act of homage, which has turned into violence, seems to be goal-oriented.
The fact that the attacker is a Karni Sena member who is known to cause disruptive protests and aggressive political posturing makes the organization a controversial issue once more. Thus, the argument around ideological differences, especially about Maurya reminders of religious texts, religious hierarchy, and caste systems, is being speculated as a probable motive.
Political Reactions Pour In: Security and Tolerance Questioned
The drama has created a political upsurge. The attack was declared undemocratic and degrading by members of other parties that had started criticising Maurya in the past as well. There is concern now that the security of an event that was supposed to be on secure grounds is based on the fact that Maurya was a past cabinet minister.
Karni Sena has been silent till now, but the opposition parties are seeking strict action and accountability, terming the attack a case of rising intolerance in political speech.
Law and Order or Public Spectacle?
Uttar Pradesh Police affirmed that an FIR has been registered and the attacker was arrested. Meanwhile, Maurya took to addressing the media, saying it was an attack on democracy and not just on him. With the normalisation of such unofficial acts of violence in public, there are some concerns among legal professionals that the Indian political situation might change drastically.
