Video: supporter washes BJP MP's feet, drinks water

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey on Monday faced the ire of politicians and social media after a video emerged in which a supporter is seen washing his feet and drinking that water.

The MP defended himself by highlighting an incident from the epic Mahabharata where Lord Krishna had washed the feet of Sudama.

As the video, which surfaced on Sunday, triggered a controversy, Dubey said those trolling him were "unable to understand the love" supporters have for him.

At a function in Godda in Jharkhand, a BJP activist, Pawan, washed his feet and drank the same water, much to the applause of those gathered. The incident occurred soon after Dubey finished his speech. The MP did not prevent his supporter from washing his feet as the rest of the crowd chanted "Pawan Bhai Zindabad".

Defending himself, Dubey felt there was nothing wrong with Pawan expressing his happiness through such a gesture. It is not uncommon in Jharkhand to respect a guest and "why a political colour is given to it".

"Shame on such mentality," Dubey said, adding that he hopes to get an opportunity to wash the feet of supporters like Pawan.

This is not the first time that Dubey has landed in a controversy. Recently, Dubey had said that he will pay for the legal expenses of four men in Jharkhand accused of murder on suspicion of cattle theft.

As the furore continued, Pawan told the media on Monday: “What crime did I commit if I washed his feet and drank water? He is like my elder brother. I will file a case against all those who are slandering me.”

Reacting to the incident, senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal tweeted, "Supporter of Nishikant Dubey washes his feet and then drinks the dirty water. Dubey says it is an expression of the supporter’s love for him. Will Dubeyji wash Modiji’s feet and drink the dirty water? If not, does it mean he does not love Modi."

Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said, "The arrogance of BJP leaders like Nishikant Dubey who are habitual offenders of insulting others, of breaking the tradition and of self-propelling a God-like status for themselves, is now out in open. Has the arrogance of BJP leaders reached such a zenith that now they want their 'karyakartas' and common people to wash their feet and drink that water? Is it even humane in the 21st century?"

Surjewala asked whether this was the culture and ethics that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah speak about and whether they will take action against the MP.

"If they will not take action, then it will be proved that it is with active support and connivance of the prime minister and BJP president that such elements like Nishikant Dubey continue to profess inhumane and insulting practices in today's world," he added.