UP BJP Leader ‘Relieved’ from Post After Video of Firing Surfaces

A BJP leader from UP’s Balrampur district courted controversy for firing to abide by PM’s #9PM9Minutes appeal.

BJP leader from Balrampur Manju Tiwari seen firing a shot in a video.

(Photo: Accessed by The Quint)

A BJP leader from UP's Balrampur district courted controversy for firing a gunshot in the air on 5 April in a bid to abide by PM Modi's #9PM9Minutes appeal.

In a video, Manju Tiwari, currently woman district president of BJP in Balrampur, can be seen aiming the gun towards sky and firing a shot in the air.

An FIR has been filed against Manju Tiwari u/s 286 (negligent conduct with respect to explosive substance) of the IPC.

The BJP leader has apologised after news reports came to light. Speaking to ANI, Manju Tiwari said:

“I saw the entire city illuminating with candles and earthen lamps. I felt like it was Diwali and fired in the air out of jubilation. I accept my mistake and apologise for it.”

Manju Tiwari

In a televised video address to the nation on 3 April, PM Modi had urged citizens to 'switch off all the lights on Sunday, 5 April, at 9 PM for 9 minutes, to mark our fight against coronavirus.'

Speaking to The Quint, UP BJP spokesperson, Manish Shukla said, “A report has been sought by district president on this matter and the decision taken by the party will be communicated soon.”

Hours after the video surfaced, BJP's state leadership has relieved Manju Tiwari from the position of Woman District President.

In a press release issued by Darshana Singh, president of UP BJP Mahila Morcha, the party informed of its decision to 'relieve' Tiwari 'with immediate effect' for 'displaying a visual which is against party's ideology'.

BJP's Balrampur leader has been relieved from her current position on account of 'indiscipline' the press release stated.

Press release issued by UP BJP regarding Manju Tiwari.(Photo: Accessed by The Quint)

(With inputs from Martand in Lucknow. This is a developing story)