3 min readLucknowSep 22, 2025 09:46 AM IST
First published on: Sep 22, 2025 at 09:45 AM IST
As BJP’s Raebareli unit continues to witness signs of internal rift, a statement by local BJP MLA Aditi Singh, given during her visit to support protesting street vendors, has gone viral. Speaking in support of the vendors, Aditi Singh alleged that money is being extorted from vendors in the name of drive against encroachment. At the same time, she warned those allegedly threatening vendors and journalists in the district, saying, “Yeh mera shehr hai.. agar koi kahega ki.. 5 jutey marenge to hum usko 10 jutey marenge (This is my town… If someone talks of hitting five times with shoes, then we will hit them 10 times)”.
District officials said during an anti-encroachment drive on September 20 to ensure proper flow of traffic, local traders alleged that bribes were being taken from street vendors. Aditi Singh, who reached the spot in support of street vendors, demanded action against the officer accused of taking bribes.
“I do not get angry usually. But these street vendors standing with me are facing extortion by officials of Nagar Palika (civic body),” she alleged, adding that an FIR would be lodged against the accused officials so that “no one dares to behave in this manner with the vendors”.
She also went on to warn all those who are allegedly threatening either local vendors or journalists.
When asked about the incident, Aditi Singh told The Indian Express, “These street vendors have been putting up their shops for ages. They cannot be removed until proper rehabilitation or alternative arrangements are made by the local body. However, in the name of encroachment drive, these vendors were being harassed. So, I decided to step in.”
“I came to know that there are some people, especially former public representatives here, who are threatening locals and journalists on a personal level, which cannot happen. It is unparliamentary. I have to answer them back in the language that they understand,” she added.
While she refused to reveal names, sources said that Aditi Singh was referring to social media posts by former MLA Rakesh Singh in which he had warned those “trying to malign the image” of his family members.
Rakesh Singh is the brother of Horticulture Minister Dinesh Pratap Singh.
Rakesh Singh later edited the post, maintaining that those giving false statements against his elder brother would be replied to in the same manner.
It may be mentioned that Aditi Singh and Dinesh Pratap Singh are considered rivals. Thus, warnings like these by Aditi are likely to make infighting more intense.
Meanwhile, 10 days after Minister Dinesh Pratap Singh wrote to state BJP president Bhupendra Chaudhary alleging that police misbehaved with party workers during their protest against the visit of Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, the concerned circle officer has been transferred. Though no official reason has been cited for the transfer, those close to the minister are claiming that the action was taken following Singh’s complaint.
BJP MLA Aditi Singh also went on to warn all those who are allegedly threatening either local vendors or journalists. (Express File Photo) 
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