Two men have been detained by Delhi Police in connection with the incident, while Yadav claimed one of them was armed with a knife and that a ₹51 lakh bounty had been announced for his killing.BY PC Bureau
New Delhi, August 2: The political storm over the Opposition’s controversial Ram Mandir skit took a dramatic turn on Sunday when a scuffle broke out at the Delhi residence of Independent MP Pappu Yadav during a press conference. Claiming that the confrontation was no spontaneous disruption but a premeditated assassination attempt, Yadav alleged that the attackers were armed and acted under a conspiracy to eliminate him.
The incident occurred as Yadav was addressing reporters at his residence when two men allegedly attempted to approach him, triggering a clash with his supporters. The MP’s aides claimed one of the men was carrying a knife. Videos circulating on social media later showed what appeared to be a knife placed on a table inside the premises, though police have yet to officially confirm its recovery.
Addressing the media after the incident, Yadav alleged that a bounty had been placed on his head.
“Certain babas have been openly saying every day, ‘Kill him, burn him; we will pay ₹51 lakh.’ We caught one of the men and handed him over to the police. There was a conspiracy to kill me, but I survived,” he said.
The MP also linked Sunday’s incident to what he described as earlier attempts to intimidate his family.
“They went to my children’s residence last night. Now they are trying to threaten my family as well. I was speaking to the media when an attempt was made on my life,” Yadav alleged.
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Two Men Detained
According to Delhi Police sources, the principal accused has been identified as Sumit, a 34-year-old iron trader from Ghaziabad who originally hails from Bulandshahr in Uttar Pradesh. Investigators said no previous criminal record has been found against him.
The second individual, identified as Happy, was allegedly waiting outside the residence in a Hyundai Creta when the incident unfolded. Police sources said Sumit allegedly threw a shoe at the MP during the press conference before being overpowered by Yadav’s supporters.
During questioning, both men reportedly told investigators they had travelled from Bulandshahr to Delhi only to get their vehicle repaired. Police are verifying their claims and examining whether there was any larger conspiracy behind the incident.
Fallout of the Ram Mandir Skit
The confrontation comes just days after a satirical skit staged by Opposition MPs inside the Parliament complex on July 31, which sparked a nationwide political controversy.
The performance used symbolic characters to raise allegations regarding donations collected for the Ram Mandir. In the skit, Pappu Yadav appeared dressed as a temple priest while fellow Opposition MPs enacted scenes involving a donation box and alleged corruption.
The BJP strongly condemned the performance, accusing the Opposition of hurting religious sentiments.
VIDEO | Delhi: Speaking on a clash that erupted during a press conference, Independent MP Pappu Yadav’s says, “Several people were attacked; what wrong have I done by protesting over Ram Temple donation theft?”
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/vj44wkYiur
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 2, 2026
Complaints Across the Country
The skit has triggered multiple police complaints.
BJP leaders, including Bansuri Swaraj and several party MLAs, lodged complaints with Delhi Police alleging that the performance insulted Hindu religious sentiments.
A separate FIR was registered in Varanasi following a complaint by a religious leader, while another complaint against Yadav was filed at Delhi’s Jehangirpuri Police Station by petitioner Surya Maithil.
The Bajrang Dal has also staged protests against Opposition MPs, demanding legal action over the Parliament performance.
Yadav Stands by the Performance
Despite mounting political and legal pressure, Yadav has refused to apologise or distance himself from the skit.
He has maintained that the performance was intended to raise questions about accountability and transparency, asking whether highlighting concerns relating to donations made by devotees for the Ram Mandir could be considered objectionable.
As police continue investigating Sunday’s altercation, the episode has added another volatile chapter to an already heated political controversy that has spilled from Parliament into the streets—and now, allegedly, into an attempt on the life of one of its principal participants.
