Bihar’s Sports Minister, Surendra Mehta, has found himself at the center of a viral controversy after distributing blankets during an event in Ahiyaapur village, located in Begusarai district, on April 6, 2025. The event, part of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) 45th foundation day celebrations, drew significant attention when Mehta handed out over 700 blankets to villagers, despite the searing heat with temperatures reaching 40°C.

The Event and Its Aftermath

The event took place in the midst of a heatwave gripping much of North India, including Bihar, where temperatures were soaring above normal for the season. While the blankets, traditionally known as ang vastra, are often given as a mark of respect or honor in Indian culture, the decision to distribute them during a heatwave seemed to many as tone-deaf. Ang vastra is usually associated with the winter season, and its distribution in such extreme heat quickly became the subject of intense online debate and political commentary.

Following the event, images and videos from the ceremony went viral on social media platforms, prompting sharp criticism and sarcastic memes. Many users questioned the practicality of distributing winter essentials during a time when the state was battling sweltering heat. The visuals, which depicted people receiving blankets while clearly sweating in the hot sun, fueled a wave of reactions, including political satire.

Political Criticism and Memes

The blanket distribution event took on a political tone, particularly with the Bihar Assembly elections approaching. In a viral post on X (formerly Twitter), Sanjib Bhattacharya, a Tripura Congress leader, shared a clip of the event and sarcastically commented, “As soon as the Congress party launched the 'Palayan Roko, Naukri Do' campaign for the youth of Bihar, it sparked visible unease among BJP leaders in the state. So much so, that Bihar Sports Minister Surendra Mehta quickly rolled out a ‘blanket distribution’ scheme — in the middle of scorching summer.”

The controversy was further heightened by the timing of the event, which many interpreted as a political move in anticipation of the upcoming elections. As the BJP readies itself for the Bihar Assembly elections, where it is in alliance with Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United), the optics of this gesture raised eyebrows. Critics claimed that it was an attempt to garner goodwill ahead of the elections, but the awkwardness of the blanket distribution overshadowed its intended message.

Surendra Mehta’s Response

Surendra Mehta did not directly respond to the widespread criticism, but his Facebook post following the event revealed his justification for the gesture. In the now-deleted post, he described the distribution of blankets as a gesture of gratitude and honor towards the people of Ahiyaapur. He wrote, “On the 45th foundation day of the world’s largest party committed to the upliftment of the poor and nation-building, we honored people in Ahiyaapur by offering ang vastra. Jai BJP, Jai Bharat Mata.”

Despite his intentions, the symbolic act was lost on many, and instead, it became a viral moment that sparked political mockery and memes. The controversy was further fueled by a mix of humor and political discourse on social media, with users questioning not just the timing but the practicality of the gesture.

Symbolism vs. Timing

The decision to distribute blankets in April amidst a heatwave raised larger questions about the timing of the gesture. While the BJP likely aimed to celebrate its foundation day and demonstrate its commitment to the welfare of the people, the optics of distributing winter clothing during such extreme weather conditions seemed disconnected from the immediate needs of the community.

The event also highlighted a wider issue of symbolism versus practicality in political messaging. In a time of intense political campaigning and heated election preparations, such moments often become flashpoints for satire and criticism, especially when they appear out of touch with the realities on the ground.

Bihar Heatwave Context

Bihar has been experiencing a particularly harsh heatwave in 2025, with temperatures reaching 40°C and above in many regions. This extreme heat has placed considerable strain on residents, with many struggling to cope with the rising temperatures. Amid these conditions, calls for government intervention in areas such as heat relief, water supply, and healthcare have grown louder. In this context, the distribution of blankets seemed to many as an irrelevant and ill-timed gesture, especially when cooling solutions or heat protection measures would have been more appropriate.

Conclusion

The blanket distribution event in Ahiyaapur village has sparked a firestorm of criticism and mockery, with Surendra Mehta and the BJP facing backlash for what many saw as a poorly timed and out-of-touch gesture. As Bihar’s political landscape heats up ahead of the assembly elections, this incident underscores the importance of timing and practicality in political symbolism. The controversy may have overshadowed the BJP’s foundation day celebrations, serving as a cautionary tale for future events and gestures in politically sensitive periods.

The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are Aten Papers & Foam.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst.