Clash in UP Assembly: Sanjay Nishad Warns Leader of Opposition of SC-ST Act Case

Lucknow, February 19, 2026: Tensions flared in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly during the 2026 budget session as Fisheries Minister Sanjay Nishad engaged in a heated exchange with Samajwadi Party (SP) legislators, resulting in a brief scuffle.

The confrontation occurred when Minister Nishad was speaking on the budget, praising the state government’s initiatives, and sharply criticizing opposition parties, particularly SP and Congress. During his address, he highlighted that the Nishad community had historically fought against British and Mughal rulers and accused previous governments of neglecting the welfare of his community. He claimed that despite the central government allocating ₹3,000 crore nationwide over 67 years, the UP government had contributed nothing to his department.

Scuffle Erupts Over Papers

The debate escalated when SP legislators approached the Well protesting Minister Nishad’s remarks and snatched papers from his hand. This provoked Nishad Party legislators, and a scuffle broke out in the House. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mayankeshwar Sharan Singh termed the incident an attempted attack on the minister and lodged a complaint with the Speaker.

Warning to Leader of Opposition

During his speech, Nishad also targeted Leader of Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey, citing the use of caste-based terms during the Governor’s address. He demanded a public apology, warning that failure to comply could result in a case being filed under the SC-ST Act.

Social Justice Report Sparks Debate

The dispute intensified when Nishad questioned the Social Justice report, claiming that 27% reservation intended for backward communities had been monopolized by certain groups, leaving only 23% for others. SP members responded by moving into the Well, prompting repeated calls from the Chair for order.

Speaker Intervenes to Restore Order

Despite repeated instructions, Nishad continued his address. The situation required intervention by Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana, who calmed both sides and restored decorum, allowing proceedings to continue.