Mayawati demands extensive relief for storm victims in Uttar Pradesh

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president Mayawati on Saturday (May 16, 2026) urged the Uttar Pradesh government to provide extensive support to families affected by the recent storms and unseasonal heavy rain that have resulted in at least 111 deaths across the State.

“The State Government should come forward with all its generosity to help the people/families affected by the massive destruction of life and property caused by the recent severe storm in many parts of Uttar Pradesh so that they can gather their ruined/scattered family life and start their life again,” Ms. Mayawati said on social media platform X. 

The BSP president also criticised the Centre for increasing petrol and diesel prices by three rupees per litre, emphasising its detrimental effect on poor and middle-class families. “Along with this, by continuing the continuous increase in the prices of essential commodities, especially petroleum products etc., the increase of ₹3 per litre in the prices of petrol and diesel, by the Central Government will badly affect the lives of crores of poor and hardworking families, farmers as well as the middle class. The inflation will have a direct impact on the maintenance of the families of all these people. That is why the government should take necessary and meaningful steps to reduce inflation. This kind of regular increase makes life difficult,” she said.

At least 111 people were killed after a powerful storm accompanied by heavy rain pounded several districts of Uttar Pradesh, uprooting trees and electric poles and damaging houses on May 13, according to the State Relief Commissioner’s office. Multiple videos of thunderstorms went viral on social media and showed heavy destruction.