Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the 2nd of July, lashed out at Akash Vijayvargiya, a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP,) for beating up a civic official with a cricket bat in Madhya Pradesh.
Akash Vijayvargiya, the son of senior BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya, on the 26th of June, allegedly attacked a civic official who was on duty for a demolition drive. Later, Akash Vijayvargiya was arrested for his behaviour, but he soon got bail as the supporters of Akash created a ruckus outside the police station.
However, Akash deemed the act as an act of self defence and said, “In the BJP, we have been taught, pehle aavedan, phir nivedan aur phir danadan. (first request and then attack.)” He blamed the Indian National Congress (INC) and said, the INC, in order to take over the building, sent the police official to demolish the building and he (Vijayvargiya) protested against it.
On the other hand, Kailash Vijayvargiya called it a small issue of misunderstanding and said, “It is very unfortunate. I think there was mishandling from both sides. Kachhe khiladi hain (they are novice players), Akash ji bhi aur nagar nigam commissioner. It wasn’t a big issue but it was made huge. I think officers should not be arrogant, they should talk to people’s representatives. I saw a lack of it and to ensure that it doesn’t happen again, both of them should be made to understand (sic.)”
During the Parliamentary meeting, Mr. Modi said the act of Akash is unacceptable and said, “Beta kisi ka bhi ho, manmaani nahi chalegi (whosoever’s son it may be, bad behaviour will not be tolerated.)” He further said, “Such people should be expelled. This type of behaviour cannot be tolerated. Being the son of a politician does not give anyone the right to do whatever he wants.”
PM Modi also warned the members who supported Akash for his act and said, “Your job as an MP is to help and serve people. It is the job of the Opposition to demonstrate.”
The decision of Mr. Modi shows there is no one above the law.
The discussion regarding Akash Vijayvargiya’s behaviour took place during the Parliamentary meeting which was held on the 2nd of July, before the beginning of the 12th day of the Parliament session.
