Minister’s Sting Operation Against Rapido

In a dramatic turn of events, Maharashtra’s State Transport Minister, Pratap Sarnaik, is facing criticism after a ride-hailing company he previously exposed for illegal operations is now sponsoring his son’s event. Just last month, Sarnaik conducted a sting operation against Rapido, a bike taxi service operating illegally in Mumbai. To verify claims about the app’s functionality, Sarnaik booked a ride from his office to Dadar using an alias. The bike arrived promptly, and the minister revealed his identity to the surprised rider, emphasizing the importance of adhering to transport regulations.

Sponsorship Sparks Political Backlash

The controversy erupted when it was revealed that Rapido is sponsoring the Pro-Govinda League, a dahi handi competition organized by Sarnaik’s son, Purvesh. Opposition leaders have accused Sarnaik of leveraging his position for personal gain. Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar criticized the minister for allegedly orchestrating a “stunt” to secure sponsorships. He suggested that such tactics might become common among ministers facing financial constraints.

Minister Defends Actions

Sarnaik has defended his actions, stating that the sponsorship was secured before his sting operation. He clarified that Rapido has been a sponsor since the league’s inception three years ago. Sarnaik emphasized that his actions against Rapido were independent of the sponsorship and aimed at enforcing legal compliance.

Opposition’s Allegations of Power Abuse

NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar accused Sarnaik of abusing ministerial power, claiming it reflects poorly on the government led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Pawar argued that the government prioritizes self-interest over public welfare.

Event Organizer Responds to Criticism

Purvesh Sarnaik, president of the Pro-Govinda League, dismissed political criticisms, highlighting that multiple sponsors support the event. He urged critics not to politicize the competition and reiterated that his father’s actions were unrelated to the league’s sponsorship.