Daijiworld Media Network – Bhopal
Bhopal, Apr 11: Madhya Pradesh Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Prahlad Patel has landed in yet another controversy, this time for using an abusive expression during an interaction with a journalist a moment that was captured on camera and has since gone viral on social media.
The incident reportedly took place in Khurai, where Patel was attending an official event. In the now widely-circulated video, the minister can be seen seated inside his vehicle, preparing to depart when a journalist politely asks, “Sir... ek ek sawal please” (Sir, just one question, please).
Patel, visibly irked, responds, “Isse pata chalta hai ki… tum pure samay nautanki karne wale log ho” (This shows that you people are always indulging in drama), before directing his driver to drive away. The remark, perceived by many as dismissive and rude, has triggered fresh criticism.
According to sources, Patel was present in Khurai to review a proposal by CEO Girraj Sharma regarding a tree plantation drive under a government scheme. The minister, reportedly displeased with the suggestion due to the sweltering summer heat, is said to have reprimanded Sharma sharply. Following the incident, Patel abruptly cancelled his public address and exited the venue.
The latest episode adds to a growing list of controversies surrounding Patel. Just last month, he drew heavy flak for likening the public to “beggars” during a speech, saying, “People have fallen into the habit of taking from society. Now, they have even started begging from the government.” The remarks had sparked statewide outrage and forced Patel to issue a clarification, blaming the media for allegedly misrepresenting his words.
Senior Congress leader and former minister P C Sharma was among the first to react, sharing the latest video clip on social media platform X. “He is a minister in the Madhya Pradesh government. First, he insulted the public by calling them ‘beggars,’ and now he’s using abusive words. This is highly condemnable. Such a person has no right to remain in office,” Sharma wrote.
Despite the backlash, there has been no official response or apology from Patel over his most recent comment. The controversy has once again raised questions about the conduct and accountability of public representatives, especially in the digital era where such incidents are quickly recorded and circulated.