A disturbing video capturing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Parag Shah physically assaulting an auto-rickshaw driver has sparked widespread outrage across social media and political circles. The incident, which occurred in Mumbai's Ghatkopar (East) constituency represented by Shah, was widely circulated on Saturday, drawing sharp condemnation from opposition parties.
Viral Video Triggers Political Firestorm
The viral clip shows BJP MLA Parag Shah repeatedly hitting the auto driver, who appears to be seated in his vehicle, while a group of the legislator's supporters looks on. The visual evidence quickly became a focal point for political debate, with the Indian National Congress leading the charge in criticizing the BJP's conduct.
Congress's Mumbai unit president and Member of Parliament, Varsha Gaikwad, took to her social media account to share the video and launch a scathing attack. "BJP MLAs have become so arrogant that they don't spare poor rickshaw drivers," she stated in her post. Gaikwad accused Shah of beating the driver for a perceived traffic violation and highlighted a pattern of behavior. "Since it’s their home minister, BJP MLAs take the law into their own hands, and now they're even brawling on the streets! This is the real BJP," her message concluded.
MLA Unavailable for Comment, Cites Earlier Anti-Encroachment Drive
Following the uproar, Parag Shah was unavailable for comment when attempts were made to reach him by phone. However, prior to this incident, the MLA had been active on social media detailing a different public issue. On Friday, he posted about an aggressive drive against unauthorized hawkers in the Tilak Road area of Ghatkopar (East).
In his posts, Shah claimed that citizens were severely distressed due to these hawkers and the resulting traffic congestion. He asserted that despite repeated complaints to authorities, no concrete action was taken, prompting him to launch a "grand public movement" alongside residents to address the problem. This context, however, was not directly linked to the assault on the auto driver in the viral video.
Public Outcry and Questions of Accountability
The incident has raised serious questions about the conduct of elected representatives and the accountability of public officials. The visual nature of the assault, clearly showing the MLA using force, has bypassed the usual political rhetoric, presenting raw evidence to the public. The fact that the act was committed in the presence of supporters has further fueled allegations of arrogance and misuse of power.
As the video continues to circulate, pressure is mounting on the BJP to address the actions of its MLA. The Congress party's vocal condemnation ensures the issue remains in the public eye, transforming a local altercation into a national political controversy. The lack of an immediate statement or explanation from Parag Shah himself has only intensified the demand for answers and accountability regarding the events captured on camera in Ghatkopar.
