Brazen MP showers notes on supporters

If in the past, it has been shameful comments of party members that has embarrassed the government, this time around it could be “shaking of legs” by an MP.

Currency notes worth Rs 3 crore were showered continuously for three hours at a religious function in the Gir-Somnath area of Gujarat. A video shows BJP MP from Jamnagar Poonam Madam shaking her legs, while showering currency notes of Rs 10 denomination on people dancing at the event. 

Notes of every denomination, including Rs 50, Rs 100, Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 were showered.

According to reports, the function was organised by Verawal’s Ahir Samaj on Thursday. It was supposed to be a seven-day religious programme, where around 1 lakh people had gathered to hear Bhagwat Katha recitation. 

However, it turned out to be a grand affair. The BJP MP danced along with her supporters.

However, Poonam has defended her act, saying it’s a “long 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 social cause. She went on record saying that the money would be used for constructing girls’ hostel and a cow shelter.

“This was neither the first time that I took part 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 the tradition of Saurashtra for more than 100 years and it was a charitable event of Ahir community where more than two lakh people participated with good spirit and faith,” she said. 

When asked about the quantum of donation received, Poonam said she had not calculated the 

amount.

Poonam’s father was four-time independent MLA from Khambhalia during 1972-1990. Former Jamnagar Congress MP Virkam Madam is her distant uncle. The politician is married to a former defence officer Parminder Mahajan.

This is not the first instance of show of money at a religious function. In Junagadh notes were showered in the presence of Gujarat BJP president RC Faldu. The money was later donated to Goshala (cowshed).