Video of villagers carrying Congress MP Tariq Anwar on shoulders to assess Bihar floods sparks political row

A video of Congress MP Tariq Anwar being carried on the shoulders of villagers while inspecting flood-hit areas in Katihar, Bihar, has gone viral. The Congress MP was on a two-day visit to his flood-hit parliamentary constituency.

The viral video drew criticism from political parties, while the Congress party offered explanations for the events, saying Anwar was “ill”.

During the inspection, the 74-year-old executive used several modes of transport, such as a tractor and a boat, to get to work, but was carried by villagers at one point. The one minute and 13 second clip shows Anwar being carried by locals as they pass through a waterlogged area.

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Following his visit, he posted photos and videos on X, emphasizing his solidarity with those affected by the floods. “Today, I inspected the flood-affected areas of Manihari and Barari. People are facing serious difficulties due to floods and river erosion. I stand with the affected families in this difficult time and appeal to the government to provide prompt relief and concrete solutions,” he wrote.

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Responding to the growing spread of the footage, Katihar district Congress president Sunil Yadav defended the MLA. According to Yadav, Anwar was physically ill and unable to cross the flooded area, so locals carried him out of concern and affection.

Speaking to NDTV, Yadav clarified that Anwar felt dizzy due to the extreme heat. “We used a tractor, a boat and a bicycle to travel. During the inspection, our truck got stuck in the mud and we had to walk for about 2 km. It was extremely hot and Anwar was not feeling well, he was dizzy. As soon as he expressed this, the villagers picked him out of love and went for a walk,” he said.

The video sparked a political row, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) attacking Anwar and the Congress. BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla accused Anwar of seeking “VVIP protocol” in a flood-hit area, saying it demonstrated a sense of entitlement.

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Taking a dig at Congress and AAP, the BJP leader added, “Congress MP in VVIP mode. Rahul Gandhi is in vacation mode. AAP in hidden mode.”

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Speaking to India Today, BJP leader Guru Prakash Paswan criticized the move. He said, “What are you trying to do…you are on the shoulder of a common Bihari and then you visit the flood affected areas? This sense of entitlement is the Congress leadership. Congress is a privileged dynasty organization…What is it trying to convey? This is beyond our comprehension. This shows how the Congress leadership and the entire party have left no stone unturned to insult the sentiment of the Bihari. “

Meanwhile, elections in Bihar will be held later this year, in October or November. However, the Election Commission of India (ECI) is yet to announce the election dates.