On Tuesday (May 19), several Dalit leaders of the Indian National Congress reached the residence of Mayawati in Lucknow. It created political havoc in UP. Mayawati denied entry to these Congress leaders and did not meet them. They were carrying a political message from senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
The delegation included Congress Scheduled Caste Department national chairman Rajendra Pal Gautam and Barabanki MP Tanuj Punia, along with several other party leaders.
According to sources, the leaders arrived at Mayawati’s residence on Tuesday evening. They reportedly submitted their names at the main gate and waited for permission to enter. However, Mayawati refused to meet them, forcing the delegation to leave without any discussion.
Viral Photos Add to Political Buzz
Soon after the visit, photographs of Tanuj Punia and other Congress leaders returning from outside Mayawati’s residence began circulating widely on social media. The pictures triggered political speculation in Uttar Pradesh, especially because Mayawati is currently staying in Lucknow and political parties have already started preparations for the 2027 Assembly elections.
Political circles quickly linked the visit to possible alliance talks between Congress and the Bahujan Samaj Party ahead of the next state election.
Congress Denies Alliance Message Claims
Despite the speculation, Congress leaders denied reports that they had gone to deliver a message from Rahul Gandhi regarding any future alliance.
Party leaders claimed the visit was only a courtesy meeting. According to the Congress version, the leaders decided to stop by Mayawati’s residence for a formal greeting because she is a senior Dalit leader.
However, sources close to the BSP claimed that the Congress delegation had not taken any prior appointment before arriving at the residence. BSP insiders also said Mayawati had received no official information about the visit.
Different Claims Emerge Over Visit
As the controversy grew, another version of events also surfaced in political discussions. Some sources claimed the Congress leaders had actually visited a nearby restaurant for dinner and later stopped outside Mayawati’s residence only to take photographs.
According to these claims, the leaders posed for pictures near the gate and left shortly afterwards.
So far, neither Mayawati nor the BSP leadership has issued any detailed statement on the matter. However, the incident has added fresh tension and speculation around opposition politics in UP.
The development has become politically significant because it comes at a time when opposition parties are exploring strategies for the upcoming Assembly elections and discussing possible alliances against the ruling BJP in the state.
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