After Akash Vijayvargiya's bat row, Modi to hold 'discipline sessions'
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a stern message that he will not tolerate unruly behavior of BJP members. He made these remarks while reprimanding MLA Akash Vijayvargiya, who thrashed a civic official with a bat last week. And now, it has been reported that he will hold "discipline sessions" with lawmakers at his official residence in New Delhi. Here's all about it.
Context: Akash showed his 'power' by beating an official
Blinded by power and emboldened by his last name (Akash is the son of senior BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya), the 34-year-old legislator beat an official with a bat. They had an argument over a demolition drive. After Akash's video went viral, he was arrested and got bail on Sunday morning. His supporters gave him a rousing welcome, and Akash didn't express any remorse either.
Is this why people voted for us, asked PM Modi
On Monday, at BJP's parliamentary meeting, PM Modi fumed at Akash's conduct. "Do you think this is the reason people voted for us," he asked. "Beta kisi ka bhi ho, manmaani nahi chalegi (whosoever's son he may be, bad behavior won't be tolerated)," he added. PM Modi also said he was ready to lose a legislator but doesn't want the incident to be repeated.
This behavior is unacceptable, period!
"The PM said any kind of misbehavior that hurts the party's name is unacceptable. He said that action should be taken if someone has done something wrong. He also said that is applicable to everyone," BJP's Rajiv Pratap Rudy told media after the meeting.
And now, PM Modi will hold sessions to teach discipline
The incident gave BJP's critics a chance to call it a "party of goons". Obviously, PM Modi isn't happy with the tag and wants to change it. According to NDTV, he will meet BJP lawmakers and speak to them about discipline. The meetings will take place in seven groups. Notably, he chaired similar meetings after winning 2014 Lok Sabha elections as well.
Meanwhile, BJP leaders denied giving "hero's welcome" to Akash
Interestingly, BJP members in Indore changed their tune after PM Modi rebuked Akash. Although pictures showed Akash was welcomed with garlands after getting bail, Indore-2 MLA Ramesh Mendola denied it. "I had gone to the district jail Sunday morning to bring Akash and took him home. We did not host the welcome function. We even don't have permission for such a reception," said Mendola.
