Days after Gonda protest, UP minister Sanjay Nishad meets LoP Pandey, calls it ‘courtesy visit’

Uttar Pradesh minister and NISHAD Party chief Sanjay Nishad on Monday met Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the state Assembly, Mata Prasad Pandey, in Lucknow, fuelling speculations that the outreach could have larger political implications.

Even as Nishad termed the meeting a “courtesy call”, saying he had gone to enquire about the health of Pandey, a senior Samajwadi Party leader, the meeting is being viewed in political circles beyond a routine visit, particularly given its timing.

It came two days after Nishad staged a protest in Gonda demanding "encounter" of those involved in the killing of a trader, Vinod Sahani, from the Nishad community. Nishad, whose party is an NDA ally, also posted a photograph of the meeting on social media, saying he met the SP leader at his residence and discussed “various contemporary issues”.

Nishad has in recent days been vocal about issues concerning his community, including his demand for 9 per cent reservation for the Nishads and his criticism of the handling of the Gonda murder case. The NISHAD Party chief during his protest in Gonda had demanded "encounter" of those accused of killing Vinod Sahani, and bulldozer action against their properties.

His protest had also put the BJP-led government in an uncomfortable position, with Nishad warning that his party would not back down on the issue. The timing is also notable since the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections are just months away.

Maulshree Seth is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express, based in Lucknow. With over 15 years of experience in mainstream journalism, she has built a formidable reputation for her on-ground reporting across Uttar Pradesh.

Her expertise spans a wide array of critical beats, including state politics, governance, the judiciary, and rural development. Authoritativeness Maulshree’s work is characterized by depth and historical context. Her coverage of high-stakes state elections and landmark judicial rulings has established her as an authoritative voice on the intersection of law and politics in Northern India.

She is frequently recognized for her ability to gain access to primary sources and for her nuanced understanding of the socio-economic factors that drive the world's most populous sub-national entity. Trustworthiness & Ethical Journalism Her reporting is rooted in rigorous fact-checking and a steadfast dedication to neutral, unbiased storytelling.

By prioritizing field-based verification—often traveling to the most remote corners of the state—she ensures that her readers receive a truthful and comprehensive view of events. ... Read More