Begusarai: Union Minister Giriraj Singh was targeted in an attempted assault during a public hearing in Begusarai’s Ballia block on Saturday. The incident occurred as Giriraj was leaving the event, where he had addressed a gathering. A man attempted to punch the minister, but swift action by security personnel thwarted the attack. The assailant was subsequently apprehended and handed over to the police, who are currently interrogating him.
The attacker has been identified as Shahjaduzzama, also known as Saifi, a ward councillor and member of the Aam Aadmi Party from Lakhminia. Reports suggest that after the public hearing, Saifi posed several questions to the minister. As Giriraj was departing, he reassured Saifi that all his questions had been answered. However, tensions escalated when Saifi began chanting slogans. When the police intervened to stop him, Saifi reportedly attempted to strike the minister.
Reflecting on the incident, Giriraj condemned the attack and the communal undertones he perceives in the situation. He said, “As we began to leave, he started shouting slogans against me. It’s unfortunate that people like Tejashwi Prasad Yadav and Akhilesh Yadav might stand with him just because of his beard. But I won’t be intimidated. I will continue to speak out against any attempts to disrupt communal harmony in Lakhminia, Ballia, Begusarai, or anywhere in the country.”
Giriraj further claimed that a broader campaign is being waged against Hindus across the country, including in Bihar and Begusarai, and vowed to resist such efforts. He alleged that incidents of communal violence are primarily instigated by Muslims, citing various festivals where Hindu celebrations have been obstructed. Giriraj also criticized political leaders like Rahul Gandhi, Tejashwi, and Akhilesh Yadav, accusing them of pandering to Muslim voters at the expense of national unity. He called on Hindus to unite, echoing sentiments expressed by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
SP Manish, providing details on the incident, stated that after the public event, Saifi attempted to forcibly meet Giriraj as he was leaving the premises. Security forces intervened when Saifi began pushing and chanting slogans against the minister. The police, along with armed personnel present, quickly detained Saifi. The matter is being taken seriously, and further action is being pursued under the supervision of Ballia DSP.
