A political storm has erupted in Uttar Pradesh following an inflammatory speech by Haji Shaukat Ali, the state president of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM). Speaking at a public meeting in Meerut on Tuesday, Shaukat Ali issued an open threat to the state police and administration, stating that any “encounter” involving Muslims would now be met with retaliatory fire.

Addressing a large crowd, the AIMIM leader lashed out at the Yogi Adityanath government’s “encounter policy,” alleging that it disproportionately targets a specific religious community. Losing his cool during the speech, Ali remarked, “We have endured enough injustice. If bullets are fired at our youths, remember, we aren’t wearing bangles. If a bullet is fired from one side, it will be answered with a bullet from the other.”

The speech quickly went viral on social media, drawing sharp condemnation from the ruling BJP, which accused the AIMIM leader of inciting violence and communal hatred. BJP spokespersons have demanded immediate arrest, stating that such rhetoric is a direct assault on the rule of law. Local police authorities in Meerut confirmed that they are reviewing the video footage and are in the process of filing an FIR for provocative speech and threatening public officials. This incident has further intensified the political climate in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the upcoming local deliberations.