Gujarat BJP MP showers cash, says it’s donation

Ahmedabad, April 18 

A controversy has erupted after a video clip went viral today, purportedly showing a woman BJP MP showering currency notes on “devotees” dancing at a religious-cum-community event at the famous Bhalka Tirth in Veraval town of Junagadh district.

The video shows Poonam Madam, who represents the  Jamnagar seat, showerig notes of Rs 10 denomination on people who were dancing at the event last night.

When contacted, Madam defended her act saying it’s a “tradition” of Saurashtra’s “Lok-Dayro” (cultural or folk event in the region) and the money was part of “donation” that would be used for a social cause.

“This was neither the first time that I participated in such a programme nor it would be the last time. It was not like distributing money, it was like an “abhivadan” (greetings). It is a tradition of Saurashtra for more than 100 years and it was a charitable event of the Ahir community where more than 2 lakh people participated with good spirit and faith,” she told PTI over phone.

She said the cash collected through donation would be used to build a hostel for girls and a gaushala (cow-shelter).

“People came there and they were happy. They were emotional on becoming part of that charitable event and I too take pride in saying that I was there in the Lok Sahitya event which is called “Dayro” in Saurashtra. I am proud of it,” Madam said. — PTI