Bihar Sports Minister and BJP MLA Surendra Mehta made headlines after he distributed blankets to villagers during a public event in the middle of April heat. The event took place on April 6 in Ahiyaapur village, Mansurchak block, to celebrate the 45th foundation day of the BJP. Over 700 people attended, and Mehta gave out blankets, also called "ang vastra," which is traditionally given as a sign of respect, even though the temperature had reached around 40°C.

Photos and videos from the event quickly spread on social media, where many people questioned why blankets were being given out during such hot weather, especially as parts of North India are facing a heatwave.Tripura Congress secretary Sanjib Bhattacharya shared a video on X (formerly Twitter), claiming that the Congress party’s new campaign “Palayan Roko, Naukri Do” (Stop Migration, Give Jobs), made BJP leaders in Bihar uncomfortable. He said this might be why Bihar Sports Minister Surendra Mehta started distributing blankets, even in the extreme summer heat.

During the event, Mehta stood on a decorated stage and said the blanket distribution was a sign of respect for the people. After the event, he posted on Facebook (though the post was later deleted), saying, “On the 45th foundation day of the world’s largest party dedicated to the poor and nation-building, we honoured the people of Ahiyaapur with ang vastra. Jai BJP, Jai Bharat Mata.”

Former CPI MLA from Bachhwara, Awadhesh Rai, criticised the move, saying, “If the Sports Minister had distributed these blankets on Vajpayee ji’s birthday in December, at least people could have used them. But giving out blankets in this extreme heat is shocking. Instead of focusing on real issues like developing playgrounds or sports facilities for children, they’re doing this.”This event comes just months before the Bihar Assembly elections scheduled for later this year.

You might also be interested in-Bihar woman raped near Bengaluru station; brother restrained