Kharge Accuses BJP of 'Violence' After Minister's Slapping Video

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of committing "violence" against the people, after a video showing Delhi Public Works Department Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh slapping a man during a road inspection circulated on social media.

In a post on X, Mr. Kharge said that when the arrogance of power peaks, oppression and humiliation of the people become a habit. He alleged that the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh were no longer only crushing democracy through policies but were now directly assaulting citizens. He claimed the party was responding to public questions with force, and cited the deployment of central agencies against the Opposition alongside what he described as slaps, batons and bullets directed at the people.

The Congress chief also referred to the farmers' protests and the 2016 Una incident in Gujarat, saying rubber bullets were fired during the farmers' movement and that Dalits beaten in Una had still not received justice.

The controversy stems from an incident a day earlier during an inspection of a newly laid road in West Delhi's Tilak Nagar area. Aam Aadmi Party MLA Jarnail Singh, who was present, questioned the quality of the road and pulled out portions of its surface by hand. The man recording the proceedings was then allegedly slapped by the Minister.

Mr. Parvesh Singh said the incident had been presented without context. He alleged that the man had abused his family members and accused Mr. Jarnail Singh of seeking a commission from the road contractor. In a video message posted by the BJP's Delhi unit on X, the Minister said he reacted the way any person would after his family was abused.

The man, who identified himself as Saheb Singh, said he was associated with Mr. Jarnail Singh and handled the MLA's social media work. He alleged that the Minister snatched his phone and raised his hand at him, and that security personnel held his hand, grabbed him by the neck and pulled him away.

Police said Mr. Saheb Singh had lodged a complaint against the Minister at the Vikaspuri police station. Mr. Parvesh Singh also alleged that the video circulated by the AAP omitted context, and said a First Information Report would be registered.