Mumbai Politician Slaps Auto Driver
A video shows a BJP politician from Mumbai, Parag Shah, slapping an auto-rickshaw driver. Mr. Shah is a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Ghatkopar (East).
The incident happened late on Friday. Reports say the driver was going the wrong way on the road.
What BJP Members Said
People from the BJP party said the auto driver was indeed driving on the wrong side. They explained that:
- Mr. Shah asked the driver why he was in such a hurry.
- The driver replied that he was in a hurry.
- After this, Mr. Shah slapped him.
MLA Parag Shah's Side of the Story
Mr. Shah said that people living in the area often complain about drivers breaking traffic rules. He mentioned that auto-rickshaws and motorcycles drive on the wrong side of the road and even on footpaths.
He explained further:
- "There is no place to walk in Ghatkopar East."
- Many people have complained about drivers breaking rules, but traffic police and local police often do not pay attention.
- The incident happened while they were holding a protest against traffic rule-breaking.
- An auto-rickshaw then drove the wrong way onto M G Road right in front of them.
- When he asked the driver about the problem, the driver said he was in a hurry.
- Mr. Shah also said that the lady passenger inside the auto had told the driver not to break rules.
Congress Party's Strong Criticism
MP Varsha Gaikwad, who leads the Congress party in Mumbai, posted the video online. She strongly criticized the BJP MLA, saying:
- BJP politicians have become very proud and arrogant.
- They do not even spare (or leave alone) poor auto drivers.
- She said BJP MLAs take the law into their own hands because they feel powerful.
- She called this "the real BJP," claiming they help rich people but beat up poor, working-class people.
Police Are Investigating
The Tilak Nagar police have stated that they are checking the video carefully. They are also investigating to find out exactly what happened during the incident.
