Days after Gonda protest, UP minister Sanjay Nishad meets LoP Pandey, calls it ‘courtesy visit’

Two days after Uttar Pradesh minister Sanjay Nishad staged a protest in Gonda, demanding the encounter of those involved in the killing of a trader from his community, he met Leader of Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey in Lucknow. The meeting, described by Nishad as a "courtesy call," has raised speculation about its political implications, especially given the timing of the encounter just months before the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.

While Nishad stated he visited Pandey to inquire about his health, the meeting is being viewed critically in political circles as more than a routine visit. Nishad, whose party is an ally of the NDA, also shared a photograph of the meeting on social media, highlighting their discussion on "various contemporary issues." The minister has been vocal about concerns affecting his community, including his demand for 9% reservation for Nishads and criticism of the handling of the Gonda murder case.