It is a common sight in India to see the poor and needy touching the feet of officers and politicians to ask for some help, but in a rare moment, a ruling BJP MLA in Madhya Pradesh bowed down and touched the feet of a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) to seek help for villagers facing acute water shortage for a long time.
The incident occurred on Tuesday in the Sironj district of the state. Umakant Sharma, BJP MLA from the Sironj assembly seat, otherwise known for his angry temper, folded his hands and touched the feet of SDM Harshal Chaudhary to persuade the administration to provide water to urban and rural areas in his constituency.
The MLA handed over a memorandum, addressed to the Collector, to SDM Chaudhary stating that many villages and even urban areas were not getting regular water supply for the past many days. The MLA said that the people, particularly women, of the area were facing difficulties due to acute shortage of water.
While narrating the people’s ordeal, the MLA touched the feet of the officer and almost begged him to solve the water problem of the residents.
The SDM, many years younger than the MLA, was taken aback by the MLA’s gesture and he immediately helped the MLA to his feet and assured him and the people of all possible help.