Akash Vijayvargiya Case: Whosoever's Son It Be, Such Incidents Won't Be Tolerated, Says PM Modi

Akash, the son of the party’s Bengal minder Kailash Vijayvargiya, was received with garlands and sweets by his supporters, prompting the Congress to accuse the BJP of “favouring hooliganism”.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is garlanded by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders Amit Shah, JP Nadda, Rajnath Singh and others during the BJP parliamentary party meeting, in New Delhi, Tuesday, July 02, 2019. (PTI Photo)

New Delhi: PM Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed disappointment over the Akash Vijayvargiya episode and said "such incidents would not be tolerated". Speaking at the BJP Parliamentary Party Meeting this morning, Modi said, “whoever be it, be it son of a parliamentarian or a minister, such arrogance, misbehaviour will not be tolerated.” Modi may not have named Akash Vijayvargiya (son of senior BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya) directly but has sent a strong message that such instances reflects poorly on the government and spoil's the party's image. A BJP lawmaker, on condition of anonymity, told ANI, "Prime Minister is very upset with Akash Vijayvargiya for his recent conduct. Prime Minister said that local unit of the BJP should be immediately dissolved for welcoming Akash on coming out of jail." "PM even said that such leaders should be expelled from the party," the MP added. Demanding a thorough probe into the matter, Modi said that those backing such behaviour should also be questioned, sources added. He advised party MPs to behave in a "responsible and cordial manner". Modi also warned MPs to give full time in the Parliament and raise issues related to the common man. It is also learnt that the BJP would issue a show-cause notice to Akash Vijayvargiya asking him to explain his stand over the entire matter. BJP MLA Akash Vijayvargiya walked out on bail on Sunday morning to a rousing welcome and declared that his prison experience was “good”. Akash, the son of the party’s Bengal minder Kailash Vijayvargiya, was received with garlands and sweets by his supporters, prompting the Congress to accuse the BJP of “favouring hooliganism”. “I was in jail for the first time in my life, but the experience was good. My time in prison was very good. However, I am happy that I have come out,” Akash, 34, said. State Congress spokesperson Neelabh Shukla said: “Vijayvargiya spent four nights in jail for thrashing a government servant. By welcoming him, the BJP is sending out a message that it is in favour of hooliganism.” State BJP spokesperson Rahul Kothari responded: “After the court granted bail to Akash, this was the natural manifestation of the love and affection of the youth towards him….” Akash had been caught on camera attacking municipal official Dhirendra Singh Bais with a cricket bat on Wednesday while opposing the demolition of a dilapidated building that has been declared dangerous. On Sunday, he said: “I did what I felt right at that point of time. I did it thoughtfully. I do not have any regrets.” Akash added: “We will try to follow Gandhiji’s path in future.” (With additional information from Agencies)