IT raids on BSP MLA draw criticism

The Income Tax Department on Wednesday conducted searches at the Lucknow and Ballia residences of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MLA Uma Shankar Singh, triggering sharp political reactions cutting across party lines in Uttar Pradesh. The department did not disclose the reasons for the searches or their outcome till Wednesday evening.

The action drew immediate criticism from BSP president Mayawati , who described the timing as “extremely unfortunate” given the legislator’s prolonged illness. Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav also questioned both the basis and timing of the searches , noting that they were carried out during the ongoing Assembly session and at a time of heightened political activity ahead of elections.

In a rare and striking break from party lines, Uttar Pradesh minister Dinesh Singh , who is related to the BSP MLA by marriage, publicly objected to the searches. He said authorities were fully aware that Singh had been battling serious health issues for more than two years , adding that his businesses had come to a standstill and that his time and financial resources were being spent entirely on medical treatment.

Dinesh Singh said the BSP legislator is currently in isolation at his residence and has been unable to attend even a single sitting of the ongoing Assembly session . Alleging that medical staff were not being allowed access during the searches , he warned that any harm to the MLA’s health would make the authorities responsible.

Uma Shankar Singh, 55, is a three-time MLA representing the Rasra Assembly constituency in Ballia district and is the lone BSP legislator in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly. He was earlier associated with private construction business activities.

Responding to the searches, Mayawati said on X that Singh had discharged his responsibilities with “complete honesty and commitment” since joining the BSP and that no complaint of illegal property acquisition or wrongdoing had emerged from his constituency. Given his critical health condition over the past nearly two years, she said any questioning could have been carried out after his recovery, calling the manner of the action “against humanity”.

Opposition leaders also highlighted that the searches coincided with the Assembly session and took place while Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was on an overseas visit.

As of now, the Income Tax Department has not issued any official statement detailing the grounds for the searches or whether any assets or documents were seized. Officials said searches are carried out under Section 132 of the Income Tax Act, which does not require a court-issued warrant but are authorised internally by senior officers based on a recorded “reason to believe”. The lack of official clarity has further fuelled political controversy in the run-up to elections.