Anupama Jaiswal, BJP MLA from Bahraich in Uttar Pradesh, suffered minor burn injuries on Saturday while setting fire to an effigy of Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav during a protest over the women's reservation issue. She received primary treatment at a district hospital before leaving for Lucknow for further consultation. The incident took place near the district magistrate's residence during a BJP 'Mahila Janaakrosh March' against the opposition.
The BJP organized a 'Mahila Janaakrosh March' against the opposition over the women's reservation bill, during which effigies of Akhilesh Yadav and Rahul Gandhi were set ablaze near the district magistrate's residence in Bahraich. Anupama Jaiswal was injured when an explosion like a firecracker occurred as she lit Yadav's effigy, sending flames toward her face.
Chief Medical Superintendent M M Tripathi of the district hospital said, "The MLA sustained superficial burns covering approximately four per cent of her forehead, with some hair singed, but her eyes are unharmed and her condition is stable." Circle Officer Narayan Dutt Mishra explained that trapped air in the effigy created a vacuum, propelling the flames outward under pressure.
Akhilesh Yadav shared video of the incident on X, captioning it in Hindi: “Fire lighters, be cautious. Arrangements should be made for the treatment of the woman who sets fires.”
BJP district vice president Rahul Rai suggested excess petrol or spirit on the effigy might have caused the mishap. Party workers quickly extinguished the fire and rushed Jaiswal to the hospital in a police vehicle. She later left for Lucknow to consult a plastic surgeon.
