When Arrogance of Power Peaks, Humiliation of People Becomes a Habit: Kharge on Delhi Minister Slap Video

Kharge Criticises BJP Over Delhi Slap Video

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on September 28 criticised the BJP after a video circulated on social media showing Delhi Public Works Department Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh appearing to slap a man during a road inspection.

Kharge said that when the "arrogance of power" reaches its peak, he believes humiliation and oppression of ordinary people become routine. His comments were made in a post on social media platform X.

What Happened During the Road Inspection?

The incident took place during an inspection of a newly laid road in west Delhi's Tilak Nagar area.

According to reports, AAP MLA Jarnail Singh was also present and questioned the quality of the roadwork. A man who was recording the proceedings was subsequently seen in the video being confronted by the minister, who appeared to slap him.

The footage has triggered a political dispute between the BJP and AAP, with both sides offering different accounts of what happened.

Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh Gives His Version

Parvesh Sahib Singh has denied that the video tells the complete story.

The Delhi PWD minister alleged that people associated with AAP had abused his family, saying that this prompted his reaction. He also accused AAP MLA Jarnail Singh of seeking a commission from a road contractor. These are allegations made by the minister and have not been established as facts.

The minister said the video being circulated by the AAP did not provide the full context of the incident.

Man Files Police Complaint

The man involved in the incident identified himself as Saheb Singh. He reportedly said that he was recording the road inspection when the minister took his phone and raised his hand at him.

Saheb Singh also alleged that security personnel restrained him. Police have received his complaint at Vikaspuri police station and said they are verifying the facts.

Kharge Links Incident to Wider Political Dispute

In his criticism, Kharge referred to what he described as a broader pattern of the use of force against citizens and Opposition voices.

He mentioned several past political controversies, including protests at Jantar Mantar, the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence, the 2020 "goli maro" slogan controversy and the 2016 Una flogging incident. Kharge presented these incidents as examples supporting his criticism of the BJP and RSS.

These references reflect Kharge's political argument rather than a legal finding linking all the incidents.

Congress Says Questions From Citizens Must Be Addressed

Kharge alleged that the BJP has become increasingly uncomfortable with questions from citizens and Opposition parties.

He contrasted what he described as investigative agencies being used against the Opposition with the use of physical force against citizens. These are political allegations made by the Congress president.

BJP Minister Accuses AAP of Obstructing Development

Parvesh Sahib Singh, meanwhile, accused AAP MLA Jarnail Singh and his supporters of obstructing development work.

The minister alleged that the AAP side was seeking a commission from the contractor involved in road repairs. The allegation has not been independently established, and the political dispute remains ongoing.

AAP Also Questions the Minister's Conduct

AAP leaders have criticised the minister over the incident and demanded action.

The dispute has centred on the circumstances surrounding the road inspection, the alleged slap and the competing claims made by the BJP minister and AAP representatives. Police verification of the complaint is expected to establish the circumstances relevant to any legal proceedings.

Wider Political Context

The incident comes amid continuing political confrontation between the Congress, BJP and AAP over issues involving governance, protests, law enforcement and treatment of political opponents.

Kharge used the incident to renew his criticism of the BJP, while the minister's response focused on allegations of provocation and interference in local development work.

Key Takeaways

• Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticised the BJP over a Delhi minister slap video.

• Delhi PWD Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh appeared in the video to slap a man during a road inspection.

• The incident occurred in Tilak Nagar, west Delhi.

• The man involved, identified as Saheb Singh, has filed a police complaint.

• The minister said he reacted after alleging that people associated with AAP had abused his family.

• Parvesh Sahib Singh also accused AAP MLA Jarnail Singh of seeking a commission from a road contractor; this remains an allegation.

• Kharge linked the incident to his broader criticism of the BJP and RSS.

• Police are verifying the complaint and circumstances surrounding the incident