Mayawati reportedly declined to meet leaders from the Indian National Congress who visited her residence on Wednesday.
May 20, 2026: Leaders from the Indian National Congress on Wednesday attempted to meet Mayawati at her residence but returned without an appointment after the Bahujan Samaj Party leader reportedly declined the meeting. Congress leaders Rajendra Pal Gautam and Tanuj Punia had reached Mayawati’s residence and conveyed their request through security personnel.
The development triggered political speculation, with discussions emerging around possible talks ahead of Rahul Gandhi’s proposed visit. However, Congress MP Tanuj Punia denied any political motive behind the visit and said they had gone only to enquire about Mayawati’s health.
Punia explained that the leaders had attended a meeting of the Congress SC Department earlier in the day, during which Mayawati’s health was discussed. He said no appointment had been sought in advance and the visit was intended purely as a courtesy gesture towards a senior Dalit leader. According to him, since Mayawati was occupied, the leaders returned without meeting her.