Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak Breaks Down on Stage in Meerut, Recalls Struggles of His Early Life

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak became visibly emotional and broke down on stage during a public programme in Meerut on Thursday, as he recalled the hardships and struggles of his early life. The emotional moment occurred during a poets’ meet organised on the eve of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s birth anniversary at the P.L. Sharma Memorial Auditorium.

While addressing the gathering, Pathak spoke candidly about his journey from poverty to public service. As he narrated memories of his difficult days, his voice choked and tears welled up in his eyes, forcing him to pause mid-speech. The Deputy Chief Minister was seen wiping away tears as the audience listened in silence.

“Seeing the Poor Still Hurts Me”

During his address, Pathak said that he still feels deep pain whenever he sees poor people suffering on the streets. He recalled his early days after moving to Lucknow, describing a life marked by deprivation and uncertainty.

“There were times when I did not have shoes to wear in winter, and at times, even slippers were a luxury,” he said. While recounting these memories, he became overwhelmed with emotion and broke down on the stage, an incident that has since sparked widespread discussion.

Emotional Tribute to Babasaheb Ambedkar

The Deputy Chief Minister further shared a deeply personal reflection, saying that he saw the image of his late father in Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. “My father was no longer alive. When I listened to Babasaheb Ambedkar, I felt as if I was seeing my father in him. That is why I consider Babasaheb as my guide and inspiration,” Pathak said, visibly emotional.

‘I Am a Servant of the Poor’

Addressing the audience, Pathak described himself as a servant of the poor, stating that he understands poverty not from theory but from lived experience. He recalled how, when he first came to Lucknow, his mother gave him a stove so that he could cook his own food.

“I didn’t even know how to cook properly. Sometimes there would be too much water in the dough, and sometimes too much flour,” he said, prompting smiles and light laughter across the auditorium.

A Human Moment That Touched Many

The emotional speech showcased a rare and human side of a senior political leader, resonating strongly with the audience present at the event. Many attendees described the moment as moving, saying it reflected the Deputy Chief Minister’s deep-rooted connection with his past and his empathy for the underprivileged.

The programme concluded peacefully, with the incident leaving a lasting impression on those present and sparking conversations about leadership, humility, and the power of personal struggle in public life.