In a sharp escalation of political tensions in Uttar Pradesh, state minister Dinesh Pratap Singh has vehemently criticized the Income Tax department’s raid on the residence of BSP MLA Umashankar Singh. The lone BSP legislator from Rasra in Ballia has been battling severe health issues, and Singh’s intervention has spotlighted concerns over the timing and humanitarian aspects of the operation.
Dinesh Pratap Singh, who holds the position of Minister of State (Independent Charge), took to social media platform X to voice his outrage. ‘My daughter’s marriage took place at the home of Ballia’s Rasra MLA Umashankar Singh. Currently, the Income Tax department is conducting raids there,’ he posted, underscoring a personal connection that adds emotional weight to his protest.
The minister detailed the MLA’s dire medical condition, noting that Umashankar Singh has been struggling between life and death for over two years. All his businesses have shut down, with every resource poured into sustaining his fragile health. Confined to isolation at his residence, he couldn’t even attend a single hour of the ongoing legislative assembly session despite its importance.
‘What is most alarming is that even nurses or doctors are not allowed entry into his home right now. If any harm comes to his life, these insensitive agencies will be held responsible,’ Singh warned. He drew parallels to judicial precedents where courts grant relief even in grave cases on humanitarian grounds.
The raids, which commenced on Wednesday, targeted multiple locations including the MLA’s residence in Lucknow, properties in Sonbhadra, and his home and office in Ballia. This development has ignited debates on whether enforcement actions should consider the health vulnerabilities of individuals involved.
As opposition voices grow louder, the incident underscores the friction between state agencies and political figures, particularly ahead of key electoral cycles. The UP government’s response, if any, remains awaited, but Dinesh Pratap Singh’s bold stance has already captured national attention.