Akash Vijayvargiya is the son of senior BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya.
Highlights
- Akash Vijayvargiya thrashed a civic body official last week in Indore
- He was arrested soon after, got bail from a special court
- "I am not guilty or embarrassed about what I did," he had said
BJP legislator Akash Vijayvargiya, who thrashed a civic body official last week in Indore, has been issued a showcause notice today by his party's disciplinary committee. This comes days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's strict criticism on the first-time legislator's shocking action.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said "such people" should be expelled from the party without exception, "no matter whose son". Lawmakers of the ruling BJP then held a session with PM Modi that sources said included a chat on Akash Vijayvargiya's widely criticised assault. Akash Vijayvargiya, 34, is the son of senior BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya.
"Whoever it may be, whoever's son he may be, such arrogance, misbehavior cannot be tolerated and action should be taken against them," the Prime Minister had said.
PM Modi held a meeting with 45 lawmakers on Wednesday morning at his official residence in Delhi marked the start of "discipline sessions". Sources had said the BJP planned strict action against Mr Vijayvargiya.
On Tuesday, a furious PM Modi made it clear at the BJP parliamentary party meeting that Akash Vijayvargiya's conduct was unacceptable and action had to be taken. "If we have to lose an MLA, so be it. We have to set an example to prevent a repeat," he reportedly told lawmakers.
On June 26, Akash Vijayvargiya and his supporters were seen chasing a civic body official in Indore with a cricket bat in the presence of policemen and television crews. A video emerged of the dramatic scenes and was shared widely on social media.
The young politician was arrested soon after and got bail from a special court a few days later. He was charged for assault, rioting and obstructing government work.
The official, who was beaten up, was part of a team that was on an anti-encroachment drive in Indore when they were approached by Akash Vijayvargiya and his supporters. "You should leave within five minutes or else whatever happens after that will be your responsibility," Mr Vijayvargiya told the officers.
"In the BJP, we've been taught, pehle aavedan, phir nivedan aur phir danadan (first request and then attack)," he told reporters after the assault.
The prime minister, at the meeting, had reportedly quoted Akash Vijayvargiya's comment on "nivedan, aavedan, danadan" and questioned: "What sort of language is this?"
Akash Vijayvargiya was unapologetic and hinted that such events could happen again if he was provoked. "I am not guilty or embarrassed about what I did as it was in public interest... I pray to god that I do not have to pick up the bat again (I pray to god ki vo dobara ballebazi karne ka avsar na de)," he said right after stepping out of prison.