Several UKD activists protest in Salt, burn effigy of BJP MLA Mahesh Jeena over alleged assault and threats
Several UKD activists protest in Salt, burn effigy of BJP MLA Mahesh Jeena over alleged assault and threats
Salt, Uttarakhand: Several Uttarakhand Kranti Dal activists staged a protest in the Salt assembly constituency today, raising “Murdabad” slogans and burning the effigy of sitting BJP MLA Mahesh Jeena.
The protest was triggered by an incident yesterday in which Jeena allegedly assaulted UKD office bearers and a Pradhan, and abused another party worker while threatening him for making a video during one of his visits in the constituency.
According to UKD leaders, the MLA confronted the activists during a field visit and objected to them recording the interaction. A video of the incident has gone viral on social media, in which the Salt MLA is heard using abusive language and instructing the UKD activist in a threatening tone not to make “negative videos” of him, or to make videos only if they served his interest.
The activists said this was not the first such instance. They alleged that several audio clips of Mahesh Jeena abusing people over the phone had earlier gone viral on social media, drawing criticism of his conduct.
During today’s demonstration, UKD workers gathered in large numbers in different parts of Salt. Holding banners and raising slogans against the MLA, they burnt his effigy and demanded an apology. They also sought action against him for allegedly assaulting public representatives and intimidating citizens for documenting his visits.
Mahesh Jeena is the BJP MLA from Salt. He was given the party ticket after the death of his elder brother Surendra Jeena, a two-time MLA from the seat, who died during the Covid pandemic, months after the death of his wife. Since taking over the seat, Mahesh Jeena has frequently been in the news for controversial remarks and conduct, and in local political circles he is often referred to as the “Gallibaaz vidhayak.”
UKD leaders said public representatives must remain accountable and cannot threaten people for recording their work. They warned of intensifying the agitation if no action is taken against the MLA.
The MLA could not be reached for a comment at the time of filing this report.
