Mumbai, October 22, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)
In an unexpected development, the Maharashtra-based political party Uttar Bharatiya Vikas Sena (UBVS) has extended an official invitation to notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, asking him to contest in the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections. This surprising offer has sparked significant controversy, particularly because Bishnoi has been implicated in high-profile criminal activities, including the assassination of rapper Sidhu Moose Wala and the recent murder of politician Baba Siddique.
The Invitation: A Revolutionary Comparison
The formal invitation came from UBVS President Sunil Shukla, who praised Bishnoi in a letter, comparing him to the legendary revolutionary Bhagat Singh. In the letter, Shukla referred to Bishnoi as a “revolutionary” and expressed his belief that Bishnoi’s entry into politics could create a wave of change. Shukla assured that the party would do everything possible to ensure Bishnoi’s victory in the elections.
“We propose that you contest the Maharashtra Assembly elections,” Shukla wrote in the letter, adding that the party’s workers and office bearers are prepared to support Bishnoi’s political campaign. Shukla went on to highlight that Bishnoi, as a North Indian born in Punjab, represents values that resonate with the UBVS, a party advocating for the rights of North Indians residing in Maharashtra.
The Uttar Bharatiya Vikas Sena’s Agenda
The Uttar Bharatiya Vikas Sena is a registered political party that primarily focuses on the welfare and rights of North Indians living in Maharashtra. Over the years, the party has expressed concerns over the discrimination faced by North Indians in the state, particularly regarding job reservations for OBC, SC, and ST communities who trace their ancestry to northern states like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Bihar, and Uttarakhand.
In his letter, Shukla stressed that North Indians living in Maharashtra are often deprived of their rightful reservations due to their ancestral roots in other states. He further added that if India is a unified nation, the people of North Indian origin should not be excluded from benefits such as job quotas.
Lawrence Bishnoi’s Criminal Background
Lawrence Bishnoi, 31, first came into the national spotlight in 2022 when his gang was linked to the assassination of Punjabi rapper Sidhu Moose Wala. The targeted attack was reportedly part of an ongoing gang rivalry. Despite being imprisoned since 2015, Bishnoi has continued to expand his criminal influence from behind bars, with operations spanning extortion and contract killings.
Most recently, Bishnoi’s gang claimed responsibility for the assassination of 66-year-old politician Baba Siddique. Siddique, a former Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) and former Minister, was murdered in Mumbai’s affluent Bandra neighborhood on Dussehra (October 12, 2024). The murder sent shockwaves across the state, as Siddique was a prominent figure with deep connections to Bollywood, including close ties with superstar Salman Khan.
Bishnoi’s Feud with Salman Khan
Bishnoi has a long-standing enmity with Salman Khan, stemming from the actor’s involvement in the illegal hunting of a Chinkara (Indian Gazelle), an animal revered by the Bishnoi community. Over the years, Bishnoi and his gang have repeatedly threatened Khan, even demanding Rs 5 crore from the actor to settle their feud. A chilling message from the gang warned Khan that if the ransom was not paid, his fate could be worse than that of Baba Siddique.
In response to the escalating threats, security around Salman Khan has been significantly increased. The Mumbai Police have made multiple arrests in connection with Siddique’s murder, detaining suspects from various locations, including the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, as part of an ongoing investigation.
The Growing Concern Around Bishnoi’s Criminal Network
One of the most alarming aspects of Lawrence Bishnoi’s criminal operations is his ability to run a vast network from inside prison. Despite being incarcerated in Gujarat’s Sabarmati Central Jail, Bishnoi’s gang continues to carry out extortion, contract killings, and other criminal activities. The fact that such a high-profile criminal can still wield significant influence from behind bars has left many questioning the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in curbing organized crime.
Bishnoi’s gang has also been linked to international criminal activities, raising concerns about the scope of his operations. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently accused Indian officials of passing information to organized crime groups that target Canadian citizens, which has only added to the growing suspicion surrounding Bishnoi’s network.
Political and Social Reaction
The Uttar Bharatiya Vikas Sena’s decision to invite a notorious criminal to contest elections has left many shocked. Social media has been abuzz with reactions, ranging from disbelief to outrage. Many citizens are questioning how a political party could support someone with such a criminal background.
On one hand, some have supported the party’s move, viewing it as a reflection of how deeply intertwined politics and crime have become in certain regions of India. On the other hand, critics argue that offering a platform to someone like Lawrence Bishnoi not only tarnishes the political process but also sets a dangerous precedent for the future.
The letter from UBVS national president Sunil Shukla, dated October 18, 2024, bears the official letterhead of the party and lists Sabarmati jail as Bishnoi’s address. It has been circulating widely on social media, further fueling the controversy.
The Revolutionary Comparison: A Controversial Narrative
Perhaps one of the most controversial aspects of the letter is Shukla’s comparison of Lawrence Bishnoi to Bhagat Singh, one of India’s most celebrated freedom fighters. This comparison has sparked outrage, with many pointing out that equating a gangster to a revered revolutionary is not only inappropriate but also offensive.
Shukla’s argument appears to be that Bishnoi, much like Bhagat Singh, is fighting against a system that has marginalized a certain section of the population. He suggests that North Indians in Maharashtra, particularly those from OBC, SC, and ST communities, face systemic discrimination and are deprived of their rightful opportunities.
While the UBVS’s agenda to uplift the North Indian community may resonate with some, aligning that cause with a notorious gangster has raised serious questions about the party’s credibility and intentions.
Invitation to Lawrence sparks a nationwide debate
The invitation extended to Lawrence Bishnoi by the Uttar Bharatiya Vikas Sena to contest the Maharashtra Assembly elections has sparked a nationwide debate. With a long history of violent crime and a growing influence even from behind bars, Bishnoi’s potential entry into the political arena has left many questioning the moral and ethical implications of such a move.
The comparison of Bishnoi to a revolutionary figure like Bhagat Singh has only added to the controversy, with critics arguing that glorifying a criminal under the guise of political activism is a dangerous trend. As the Maharashtra elections approach, this development will undoubtedly continue to be a point of discussion, raising broader concerns about the relationship between crime and politics in India.
FAQs
1. Who is Lawrence Bishnoi?
Lawrence Bishnoi is a notorious gangster currently imprisoned in Gujarat’s Sabarmati Central Jail. He has been linked to numerous criminal activities, including the assassination of Punjabi rapper Sidhu Moose Wala and Mumbai politician Baba Siddique.
2. Why did Uttar Bharatiya Vikas Sena invite Lawrence Bishnoi to contest elections?
The Uttar Bharatiya Vikas Sena (UBVS) invited Lawrence Bishnoi to contest the Maharashtra Assembly elections, citing his influence and comparing him to revolutionary figures like Bhagat Singh. The party believes Bishnoi could bring significant change to the political landscape.
3. What is the controversy surrounding Lawrence Bishnoi and Salman Khan?
Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang has repeatedly threatened Salman Khan over the actor’s involvement in the illegal hunting of a Chinkara, an animal revered by the Bishnoi community. Recently, Bishnoi’s gang demanded Rs 5 crore from Khan to settle the feud.
4. What criminal activities is Lawrence Bishnoi involved in?
Lawrence Bishnoi has been involved in extortion, contract killings, and other crimes. His gang has been linked to high-profile murders, including those of Sidhu Moose Wala and Baba Siddique.
5. What is the Uttar Bharatiya Vikas Sena’s agenda?
The Uttar Bharatiya Vikas Sena (UBVS) is a political party focused on advocating for the rights of North Indians living in Maharashtra, particularly in terms of job reservations and social equality.
