October 19th 2023.
The incident has been widely condemned as Karnataka is reportedly facing a devastating drought with the farmers struggling. The video, which is reportedly three days old, shows Patil comfortably seated on a sofa as a few youngsters shower currency notes on him at the behest of Congress leader Ayaz Khan. Cash is also "offered" at his feet as people rain cash on him with ‘qawwali singers’ performing in the background. The notes were of Rs 500 denomination.
In response to the video, BJP leaders took to social media to express their outrage and criticism. Karnataka BJP wrote in a post on Twitter, “Sugar Minister Shivanand Patil has given a real demonstration of how ministers are enjoying money looted from the people of the state.” BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia also had strong words for the minister, saying in a press conference, “Looting public money is the goal of the Congress, and the will to serve public is not in its DNA!”
The video has since sparked an investigation by the Income Tax Department, which has conducted searches in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. According to reports, cash and valuables worth ₹102 crores have been seized. How much of this is connected to the showering of money on Patil is yet to be seen.
In any case, the incident is a prime example of how politicians are seemingly unperturbed by the struggles of the public, and are instead enjoying their wealth. The public has every right to be angry at the insensitivity displayed by Patil, and it remains to be seen what consequences he will face.
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