NEW DELHI: Former Uttar Pradesh cabinet minister and Lok Morcha chief Swami Prasad Maurya faced a shock ambush on Wednesday as a Karni Sena worker, disguised as a well-wisher, tried to slap him.The incident occurred at Saras Crossing in Fatehpur, where Maurya had stopped for a quick welcome ceremony organised by his local supporters. Just as he prepared to receive a garland, a man reportedly lunged forward and tried to slap him from behind, which caught Maurya off guard.Police said the attacker blended in with the crowd and pretended to be offering a garland before delivering the unexpected blow. An investigation is under way to identify the accused and uncover the motive behind the attack, reported news agency PTI.“Swami Prasad Maurya was travelling to Fatehpur. There was an event to welcome him here. His supporters were present here and amidst them two persons were also present with garlands. These two men tried to misbehave with the leader. They were later arrested by the police. Further action is being taken,” Amit Singh, CO Sadar told PTI.From Ramcharitmanas to Sanatan Dharma and Hindu religion, Maurya has repeatedly made headlines for his provocative comments on sensitive issues. Hindu outfits have often raised the issue of “objectionable comments” by Maurya towards the community. In 2023, Maurya sparked controversy with his comments on Hinduism, saying, ‘Hindu ek dhokha hai’ and that ‘Hinduism is not a religion but a deceit and a means of livelihood for some.’ “Hindu ek dhokha hai… In 1955, the Supreme Court said in its order that Hindu is not a religion but a way of life. It is a conglomeration of more than 200 religions. Even Mohan Bhagwat had said, not once but twice, that Hindu is not a religion but a way of life. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also said that Hindu is not a religion. Even Gadkari had said the same thing in a media conclave,” the former Samajwadi Party leader had said. Last year, Maurya, who was earlier with the BSP and later with the BJP, resigned from the SP’s primary membership due to “ideological difference” only. He said the party was deviating from the core of socialist ideology.
