Prashant Bamb, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA from Maharashtra, has found himself at the center of online attention, not for political speeches or social work, but for his dance performance. A video of him grooving to Amitabh Bachchan’s iconic song “Khaike Paan Banaras Wala” has taken the internet by storm, sparking a flurry of reactions.
In the video, Bamb, dressed in jeans, a white shirt, and a Nehru jacket, can be seen enthusiastically dancing to the popular track from the movie Don. While many users applauded his fitness and energy, others questioned the appropriateness of his lighthearted performance in light of serious issues facing the state, such as the farmer crisis and water shortage.
Social media users expressed concern over Bamb’s priorities, questioning his seriousness about tackling the plight of farmers in the Marathwada region, which is struggling with crop losses. Some comments highlighted the contrast between the MLA’s jovial dance and the difficult realities faced by farmers.
“Wah ..kya baat hai ..Appreciate Mr MLA for this common man song ..He is so fit, energetic ,youth absolutely no fat like other leaders ..Inspiring,” wrote one social media user on X. However, another user on Instagram commented, “On one hand farmers are suffering and BJP MLAs are dancing. Future politicians should be ashamed of how will Maharashtra take care of MLAs.”
Bamb, the MLA from Gangapur assembly seat in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, won his seat for the second time in the 2019 assembly elections. He performed at a program organized for his party workers on Thursday night.
Speaking to PTI, Bamb clarified that the dance performance was part of an annual entertainment program for his party workers. This year’s event was held at Mhaismal, a popular tourist destination in Maharashtra. “An entertainment programme is organised every year for my party workers. During this year’s event held at Mhaismal, a famous tourist destination, I danced to the ‘Khaike paan Banaras wala’ song. Before that, I also sang a Lavani, which is a part of Maharashtra’s culture. I don’t see anything wrong in it,” Bamb said.
The viral video has ignited a debate on social media, highlighting the complex relationship between politicians, public perception, and the need to address pressing societal issues. While some appreciate Bamb’s enthusiasm and lightheartedness, others question his focus on entertainment amidst serious challenges facing the state.
