An objectionable viral video has put Narhari Zirwal, a minister from the Sunetra Pawar faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), in the spotlight, with the minister claiming the clip was doctored. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, speaking to the media, mentioned that Zirwal called him to explain his side. “We will verify the video. If found guilty, action will be taken,” the chief minister said. Zirwal, MLA from Dindori, landed in controversy after an objectionable video allegedly showing a trans person in his room went viral.
Zirwal dials CM Fadnavis
Zirwal, who holds the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) portfolio in the Mahayuti government, had made a phone call to Fadnavis, claiming the clip was misleading and was created by stitching together two different videos.
Previous controversy
The controversy has mounted pressure on the NCP to take action against the minister, as this is not the first time the party MLA and minister is in the eye of a storm. Last month, an FDA clerk was caught red-handed by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) while allegedly accepting a bribe, triggering a political storm in Maharashtra. Immediately after the arrest, Zirwal denied any involvement in the case and distanced himself from the actions of his department staff.
