UP Minister Swatantra Dev Singh downplays confrontation with BJP MLA in Mahoba, says his priority is development work

Uttar Pradesh Water Resources Minister Swatantra Dev Singh has downplayed the recent confrontation with BJP MLA Brajbhushan Rajput in Mahoba, asserting that no incident involving him personally occurred.

The opposition raised the issue vociferously after a video showing a heated exchange between the minister and local representatives went viral on social media.

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Swatantra Dev Singh clarified that he did not want to engage in any political rhetoric on the matter. When asked about Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav’s comments, the minister refused to respond, saying officials and the media should rely only on the official statement issued by the district administration.

The minister said that his entire focus is on development work. He informed that he is visiting 36 villages under the Jal Jeevan Mission to review the drinking water supply situation. “Under the scheme, providing tap water to every household is the government’s priority, and work is being done in that direction.

Swatantra Dev Singh dismissed the allegations, stating that all administrative procedures are being followed and that claims of any disruption or political targeting are misleading. He categorically stated that his responsibility is to deliver results to the public, not to get involved in political controversies.

The minister’s statement makes it clear that while the Mahoba incident may have created a stir in political circles, it is not being given much importance at the government and ministerial levels. Swatantra Dev Singh reiterated that governance, development, and public welfare are his top priorities.

It is noteworthy that the situation became tense in the Mahoba district of Uttar Pradesh on Friday when BJP MLA Brajbhushan Rajput and his supporters became agitated over the water problem during an event attended by Water Resources Minister Swatantra Dev Singh. The police somehow managed to calm the situation.

The MLA’s anger stemmed from the long-standing water crisis in the Charkhari assembly constituency and the poor condition of roads due to pipeline work.

BJP MLA Brajbhushan Rajput alleged that water supply has completely stopped in several villages and that roads have been dug up and left in disrepair in the name of laying pipelines. He said officials are not listening to him, and the public is suffering from a severe water shortage.