‘Preparing For Future’: UP Minister Distributes Sticks To Over 2,500 Youth For Self-Defence

Uttar Pradesh minister and Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) chief Om Prakash Rajbhar distributed sticks to over 2,500 workers of Rashtriya Suheldev Sena, an organisation formed by his party, in Azamgarh during a training camp.

Referring to the sticks as “unlicensed weapons”, Rajbhar said that the aim of the Rashtriya Suheldev Sena was to guide, train and create awareness among the youth so that they understand their rights and duties.

The UP cabinet minister said that sticks were meant for self-protection and deterrence, not violence.

“There is no licence for this. We are preparing them for the future,” he said, explaining that trained members would help in emergencies such as road accidents and cases of violence against women by assisting

victims and informing the police.

VIDEO | Azamgarh: UP Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar distributes sticks for self defence at party training camp; calls them ‘unlicensed weapons’, says it will keep them safe.

(Full VIDEO available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/mnqLSomUN7

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 19, 2026

Addressing the gathering, Rajbhar said that more than 60% of parents and children in society lack essential information about education and career choices. He said many students do not know what subjects to study to become soldiers, engineers, doctors or to secure jobs in sectors such as education, police and health services.

“Students study history, literature and Sanskrit and later say they have become useless after graduation. We want to prepare them physically and mentally from a young age,” Rajbhar said as quoted by news agency PTI, adding that trainers would guide students on career-oriented education and physical fitness.

Rajbhar said the Rashtriya Suheldev Sena would fight democratically against injustice, atrocities, corruption and exploitation, and would also work in disaster situations and social issues through community service.

Last month, several members of a right-wing outfit called Hindu Raksha Dal distributed swords and other weapons near their office in the Shalimar Garden X-2 area in Ghaziabad. The group reportedly claimed that the weapons were meant for “self-defence” in case a situation similar to that in Bangladesh occurred in India.

A case was registered against 40 people at the Shalimar Garden police station after a video showing the incident spread widely on social media platforms. Police said the video showed several people holding swords, raising provocative slogans and taking part in aggressive demonstrations.

A week later, the outfit’s chief, Bhupendra alias Pinki Chaudhary, along with his son, Harsh, were arrested in connection with the case.

(With inputs from agencies)