Vadodara:
In a video that is now doing the rounds on social media, a local BJP leader in Gujarat is seen showering a bucket full of money on a singer at a function in Vadodara.
The incident took place on September 20 at a traditional cultural music event during the
Ganpati Visarjan programme in Vadodara's Harni area.
Vadodara district's BJP President Satish Patel can be seen walking up from behind famous Gujarati singer Kirtidan Gadhvi, on stage, and literally unloading a bucket full of cash on him.
In his defence, Mr Patel said Mr Gadhvi is a popular artist and the money raised during the event was used for protection of cows.
"I did not shower the currency notes nor did I throw them in the air and the money which was given by the people will be utilised for social causes like cow-protection and treatment of ailing cows... The programme was held by Mahakali Yuvak Mandal on September 20, where I was just giving money to Kirtidan Gadhvi" said Mr Patel.
About Rs 30-40 thousand were collected during the event, he said.
On Twitter, many defended the BJP leader's move.
On September 27, a video clip showing the BJP lawmaker from Junagadh Rajesh Chudasama showering money on people dancing at an event in Chorwad town had gone viral. But Mr Chudasama defended himself by calling it a tradition.
A similar controversy had erupted in April this year when the BJP lawmaker from Jamnagar Poonam Madam was seen in a video showering money at a Lok-Dayro (folk-song) programme.