Maharashtra transport minister Pratap Sarnaik.
Credit: X/@PratapSarnaik
Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik is facing criticism from the Opposition after it emerged that Rapido, a bike-taxi aggregator he publicly exposed for illegal operations just a month ago, is the lead sponsor for the Pro-Govinda League, a 'Dahi Handi' event organised by his son.
According to a report by Indian Express, Nationalist Congress Party (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar accused Sarnaik, an influential Shiv Sena leader, of misusing his ministerial post. Pawar pointed to the high-profile incident on July 2, when Sarnaik personally booked a Rapido ride from Mantralaya to prove the company was plying illegally, and contrasted it with the current sponsorship deal for the Pro-Govinda League (PGL).
"The minister caught the Rapido bike. He got publicity. And then he rapidly changed his position and brokered a sponsorship. It just proves that this government works for itself and not for the public. I want to ask whether this is not a misuse of the ministerial post?," the Opposition legislator charged, demanding a clarification from the BJP-led Mahayuti government.
Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar also slammed the minister, saying, "First, you book a bike through a private app, then you catch the poor biker… make videos of it… and build your own image. And then, what a great idea to get funds for the event from these troubled private app owners. The minister showed how to raise funds when Maharashtra’s coffers are in tatters."
In response, Purvesh Sarnaik, the minister's son, defended the move. He stated that Rapido has been associated with the PGL even before the minister's July 2 action and opined, "The game ('Dahi Handi') should not be linked with politics."
The Pro-Govinda League is a professional league dedicated to the sport of human pyramid formation, traditionally known as Dahi Handi. The third season began on August 7 at the Dome SVP Stadium in Worli and will conclude on August 9.