Top UP BJP Leader Stops Interview Over Haridwar Hate Speeches Questions

Uttar Pradesh BJP leader Keshav Prasad Maurya was asked about the religious conclave and the silence of top leaders of the party, including UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on hate speeches.

Uttar Pradesh BJP leader Keshav Prasad Maurya, apparently furious at questions on hate speeches at the Haridwar Dharma Sansad, stopped an interview midway, snatched the reporter's mask and forced the crew to delete footage, BBC has said.

Mr Maurya, the Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister, later called it an "unfortunate incident", according to the broadcaster.

In the BBC video, the interviewer asks Mr Maurya about the religious conclave and the silence of top leaders of the party, including UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on hate speeches.

Asked whether leaders should reassure people by speaking up against such pronouncements, Mr Maurya said: "We don't need to prove ourselves. We believe in 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas (development and support of all). Religious leaders have the right to express themselves."