'Politics has its place': Akhilesh Yadav visits BJP MLA who was injured while burning his effigy

NEW DELHI: Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday visited a hospital in Lucknow to check on the condition of BJP MLA Anupama Jaiswal, who sustained serious injuries while burning the SP leader's effigy during a protest in UP's Bahraich earlier this week.During his visit, Yadav met Jaiswal and her family members, wishing her a speedy recovery. In a post on X, he said political differences should not come in the way of compassion. “We do not want a fire to rage between the people of society. We want a gentle shower of harmony to fall upon society. The healthy tradition of our positive politics has taught us precisely this. That is why we went to meet BJP MLA Mrs Anupama Jaiswal Ji and have returned after wishing her a swift recovery to good health. ” he said."Politics has its place, and the importance of human relationships has its own place. May goodwill endure, may harmony endure!" he added.Jaiswal was admitted to Medanta Hospital after being injured while attempting to set fire to an effigy of Yadav and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during a demonstration held in support of the Centre’s ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’. According to eyewitnesses, cited by PTI, flames suddenly flared up and engulfed her face during the act. Jaiswal was initially taken to a local hospital before being shifted to Lucknow for advanced care.Doctors treating the MLA said she has suffered significant burns, with nearly 75 per cent of her face affected. Injuries have also been reported on her ear, forehead, eyebrows, nose, lips and eyes, with one eye partially impacted. She is currently undergoing treatment in the ICU under close supervision, and doctors said the full extent of the injuries may become clearer over the next 48 to 72 hours.Jaiswal’s husband, Ashok Jaiswal, described the visit as an act of “human sensitivity and democratic courtesy”, adding that leaders across parties had extended support. He said chief minister Yogi Adityanath had also spoken to the family and issued directions for her treatment.