Sangeet Som, a BJP MLA from Uttar Pradesh, and Rameshwar Dudi, a Congress MLA from Rajasthan, have come under the scanner for what can be termed as VVIP racism.
Separate incidents involving the two MLAs came to light on 5 October, and have once again raked up the issue of politicians considering themselves a notch above common people.
SHO Touches Sangeet Som's Feet
In a video doing the rounds on Twitter, SHO Dharmendra Singh Rathore from Sardhana in Uttar Pradesh can be seen touching Muzaffarnagar riot-accused Sangeet Som’s feet.
The incident happened on 29 September when the BJP MLA was invited as a chief guest to Dussehra celebrations at Sardhana. Som was honouring the SHO by presenting him with an image of Lord Ganesha, when the latter bent to touch his feet and take blessings. The MLA responded by patting Rathore on his back.
This was captured by a camera and the video has since gone viral with many questioning the apparent camaraderie between the two.
Also Read: Time to Put an End to VIP Culture: PM Modi
Rumours of the SHO getting his post with Som’s help are doing the rounds. Police authorities have taken cognizance of the matter and have asked for a report.
There are also rumours that the officer, who was handling the security arrangements at the venue, touched Som’s feet even when the latter got out of his car.
PSO Takes off Congress MLA’s Shoes and Socks
Leader of Opposition in the the Rajasthan Assembly, Rameshwar Dudi, was captured on camera getting his shoes and socks being removed by a security guard.
The clip also shows Congress leader Sachin Pilot completely ignoring the incident and walking on. Pilot is facing criticism for not being bothered by such a show of vanity.
The incident took place when the Congress members finished their 100 km-long kisan nyay yatra (to get crop loans up to Rs 50,000 waived off for farmers in Rajasthan) in a temple in Jhalawar.
Ironically, while marching for the welfare of the the common people, the Congress MLA made his distance from commonalty clear by choosing not to take off his own shoes.
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