News india ‘Felt Like A Terrorist’: SP Candidate Breaks Down, Alleges Harassment During UP MLC Polls
Last Updated:October 24, 2026, 07:13 IST
SP candidate Akash Agarwal broke down over alleged harassment during UP Legislative Council polls, threatening to convert his religion at Shahi Idgah.

Samajwadi Party (SP) candidate from the Agra teachers’ constituency, Akash Agarwal. (X)
Samajwadi Party (SP) candidate from the Agra teachers’ constituency, Akash Agarwal, broke down while alleging polling irregularities and harassment of his supporters during the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council elections.
He also threatened to convert his religion, claiming that he did not wish to continue living within a version of Sanatan Dharma where he was being harassed by those who claimed to be its protectors.
Agarwal alleged that his campaign managers across all 12 districts were being picked up and mistreated by authorities at their convenience.
“Honestly, I have begun to feel as though I am a terrorist who has arrived from Pakistan," Agarwal said, expressing his anguish over the alleged treatment of his campaign team.
He added that the election outcome no longer mattered to him and said he would not have contested the polls had he known his campaign managers would face such alleged mistreatment.
“Had the government informed me that my campaign managers would be subjected to such mistreatment, I would never have contested this election," he said.
Agarwal further said he did not wish to live in a version of Sanatan Dharma where he felt harassed by those who claimed to be its guardians and protectors.
“Next month, I will go to Lucknow and convert my religion at the Shahi Idgah—winning or losing is of no consequence to me," he said.
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Aanchal SinhaSub Editor
Aanchal is the Sub-Editor at News18.com, with more than four years of experience in national and international news. My work involves covering breaking news, politics, current affairs and developments...Read More
Location :
Agra, India, India
First Published:
October 24, 2026, 07:13 IST
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