New Delhi [India], September 8: Responding to a video of him being carried on shoulders during a flood inspection in Bihar's Katihar, Congress MP Tariq Anwar on Monday said the incident reflects public support, adding that "the people of Bihar will carry the opposition on their shoulders in the upcoming assembly elections."
Explaining the incident, Anwar said he was affected by sunstroke and warned against walking through muddy flood-hit areas.
Speaking to ANI, Anwar said, "I was a little affected by sunstroke because it was very hot, and secondly, the people there were saying that if you go into the mud, you will get stuck and fall. So they lifted me on their shoulders and there was no problem...When people saw that I was uncomfortable, they themselves told me Don't walk in the mud like this, we will take you there."
"The way we got support from the people in our yatra, youths came forward, women came forward. It seems that the people of Bihar will carry the opposition on their shoulders in the upcoming assembly elections this time," he added.
On Sunday, Congress MP Tariq Anwar was on a visit to his constituency, Katihar, for inspection of the flood-affected areas of Manihari and the Barari areas of Katihar.
In a social media post on X, Anwar wrote, "Today, I inspected the flood-affected areas of Manihari and Barari. People are facing severe difficulties due to the floods and river erosion. I stand with the affected families in this difficult time and appeal to the government for prompt relief and concrete solutions."
Earlier, BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla slammed Congress MP Tariq Anwar after a video of villagers carrying him on their shoulders during an inspection of flood-hit areas in Bihar went viral on social media.
Terming it a "sense of entitlement," the BJP leader came down heavily on Anwar asking if he needs a "VVIP protocol" in flood affected areas too.
In a social media post on X, Poonawalla wrote, "Sense of entitlement of Congress. Even in flood affected areas they want VVIP protocol? Kharge ji insults farmers. Congress MP Tariq Anwar mocks flood relief - sits on shoulders of people while "touring" flood affected areas. Congress MP in VVIP mode. Rahul Gandhi in Vacation Mode. AAP in hiding Mode. Only PM Modi in work mode."