A grab from the video which purportedly shows BJP leader and lawmaker Kusum Mahdele kicking a boy.
Madhya Pradesh minister Kusum Mahdele, who was caught on camera purportedly kicking a boy, today sought to defend herself by saying that the video being played on news channels was an "absolute lie". But the Opposition Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party are demanding her resignation.
A video of Animal Husbandry Minister Kusum Mahdele purportedly kicking the boy went viral yesterday.
The minister was attending a function organised to celebrate Madhya Pradesh Foundation Day near the bus stand in Panna district. In the video, she was caught on camera kicking the boy as he bowed to touch her feet at
"As I was going towards my car, there was a reporter who with a cameraman came to take my interview. I was answering some questions while moving towards my car when somebody fell on my feet. Nothing more than this happened. So, I didn't even see his face. I have not seen any video yet. The video being played on various channels is an absolute lie," she said.
Demanding that Ms Mahdele be sacked, senior Congress leader Manish Tewari said, "Such a minister should be sacked from the government. Those who can be insensitive towards children... can go around kicking children, they should have no place in the government."
"The unfortunate reality is that the government - the BJP-led NDA at the Centre and the state dispensation - are extremely immune to criticism. Therefore, you will find out that no action will be taken," he added.
The Aam Aadmi Party too sought her resignation and petitioned the Madhya Pradesh Human Rights Commission for stern action against her.
"We lodged a complaint with MPHRC acting Chairman Veerendra Mohan Kanwar seeking stern action against Ms Mahdele for meting out ill-treatment to the boy who sought Re 1 help from her," AAP state Secretary Akshay Hoonka told the Press Trust of India.
Mr Hoonka alleged that local leaders and Panna district administration remained mute spectators to the 'inhumane act'.
He further said that the BJP has failed to provide education to children in MP and instead of helping them, it was kicking them.
"We also protested near the MPHRC office and at Mahdele's residence in Panna district seeking her resignation," he said.