UP BJP MLA's video of '10 per cent commission' remark goes viral

Kanpur: A purported video of Uttar Pradesh BJP MLA Mahesh Trivedi has stirred controversy after he was allegedly heard saying that MLAs not only draw their salaries, but also get a "10 per cent commission" from their respective MLA funds.

The remarks, reportedly made during a party workers' meeting in Kanpur, went viral on social media on Thursday, inviting sharp criticism.

In the video, the Kidwai Nagar MLA was seen asking party workers that while legislators benefit from both salaries and commissions, grassroots workers get "nothing in return." The row deepened further as the legislator allegedly advised Hindus to keep swords and lances at home for their protection.

Comparing Hindus unfavourably to "animals", he was seen saying that even animals use their horns for self-defence, while Hindus "do not act in their own defence." Neither the MLA nor the BJP leadership has officially commented on the video so far.