Bhopal, December 23: A local BJP leader in Madhya Pradesh has sparked widespread condemnation after a video surfaced showing her confronting a visually impaired woman. The incident, which reportedly took place on Saturday, December 20, within a church premises in Jabalpur’s Hawa Bagh area, has triggered a political row. In the footage, BJP leader Anju Bhargava is seen making derogatory remarks about the woman’s disability while leveling accusations of illegal religious conversion.

Anju Bhargava is the Vice President of the BJP’s Jabalpur city unit. The confrontation occurred under the jurisdiction of the Gorakhpur police station in the presence of at least one police official. The footage shows Bhargava shouting at the woman, grabbing her face, and twisting her arms. Despite the victim’s plea for Bhargava to speak civilly and maintain physical distance, the BJP leader continued the assault. At one point, Bhargava is heard telling the visually impaired woman that she "will be blind in her next birth too".

Jabalpur BJP Leader Anju Bhargava Abuses Visually Impaired Woman

Anju Bhargava Alleges Religious Conversion

During the altercation, Bhargava accused the woman of being involved in a "religious conversion racket." She further alleged that the woman was using the church premises to run a "business" (dhandha) and earn money through unethical means. The victim maintained that she was being mistreated without cause, but the video shows the verbal abuse escalating even as a bystander in a police uniform looked on. ‘Ek Mahine Mein Hindi Nahi Seekhi To…’: Delhi BJP Councillor Renu Chaudhary Threatens African Football Coach Publicly in Patparganj Park, Faces Social Media Ire (Video).

Political Backlash and Social Media Outcry

The controversy gained national attention on Monday after Supriya Shrinate, the Congress party’s national chairperson for social media, shared the clip on X (formerly Twitter). Shrinate criticized the ruling party, labeling the act as "cruelty" and calling the leaders involved "stains on society."

Local Congress leaders have demanded an immediate FIR against Bhargava, arguing that the assault on a person with disabilities is a serious offense under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, in addition to standard criminal charges for assault and intimidation.

Police React to Anju Bhargava's Viral Video

Jabalpur police have confirmed they are aware of the video and are currently investigating the sequence of events. While no formal arrest has been made at the time of reporting, officials stated that they are recorded statements from both parties to verify the claims of religious conversion and the subsequent physical altercation.

The BJP district leadership has not yet issued an official statement regarding the conduct of their city unit Vice President or whether any internal disciplinary action is being considered. Jabalpur Shocker: Hindu Groups Ransack Joy School Over Principal’s ‘WhatsApp Status on Lord Ram’, Viral Video Shows Them Damaging Property, Tearing Posters.

Context of Anti-Conversion Laws

Madhya Pradesh is one of several Indian states with stringent anti-conversion laws. The Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 2021, prohibits conversion by misrepresentation, allurement, force, undue influence, coercion, or any other fraudulent means. Accusations of "religious conversions" have become a sensitive and often politically charged issue in the state, frequently leading to heightened tensions. Critics of these laws argue they are often misused to target minorities and vulnerable communities.

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Rating:3

TruLY Score 3 – Believable; Needs Further Research | On a Trust Scale of 0-5 this article has scored 3 on LatestLY, this article appears believable but may need additional verification. It is based on reporting from news websites or verified journalists (Official Account of Supriya Shrinate), but lacks supporting official confirmation. Readers are advised to treat the information as credible but continue to follow up for updates or confirmations

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 23, 2025 12:56 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).