SP MLAs clash with Minister Sanjay Nishad amid sloganeering and scuffle in House
February 19, 2026: Heated scenes unfolded in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly on Wednesday evening as Fisheries Minister Sanjay Nishad clashed with members of the Samajwadi Party during the Budget debate. SP legislators entered the well of the House, raising slogans and creating a ruckus. Amid the chaos, some members allegedly snatched papers from the minister’s hand, leading to a brief scuffle. Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mayankeshwar Sharan Singh termed the episode an attempt to attack the minister and lodged a complaint with the Chair.
Dr Nishad, while praising the Budget, launched a sharp attack on the SP and the Indian National Congress. He claimed the Nishad community had long been neglected and alleged that previous state governments had not allocated funds for fishermen’s welfare. He further accused earlier regimes of depriving members of the Kewat, Mallah and Bind communities of jobs and dignity, and demanded an apology from Leader of the Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey over alleged casteist remarks, warning of action under the SC/ST Act.
As protests continued, Speaker Satish Mahana intervened to restore order, urging both sides to maintain decorum and allow proceedings to continue. Following his appeal, tensions gradually eased and normal business resumed in the House.