Key Points
- BJP MP Ganesh Singh from Satna, Madhya Pradesh, slapped a hydraulic crane operator after getting stuck mid-air during a ‘Run for Unity’ event on Friday, October 31, 2025, at Semriya Chowk
- The incident occurred when Singh was descending from garlanding Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar’s statue using a hydraulic crane lift during celebrations marking Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 150th birth anniversary
- A viral video shows the MP trapped in the hydraulic box when the machine suddenly jerked and stopped, leaving him stranded for several seconds before he angrily slapped the attendant who came to help
- Congress leaders immediately seized on the incident, with party spokesperson Abhinav Baraulia stating it demonstrates the BJP’s arrogance and conceit, while Congress shared the video criticizing the MP for attacking someone who came to rescue him
- The MP has remained silent on the controversy despite the video gaining widespread attention on social media, and this is reportedly not his first such incident involving a physical altercation with staff
Satna: The ‘Run for Unity’ event, organized to commemorate Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 150th birth anniversary, took an unexpected turn in Satna’s Semriya Chowk area on Friday when BJP MP Ganesh Singh became involved in a highly publicized altercation. Singh had arrived to participate in the morning rally and proceeded to garland the statue of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, which required the use of a hydraulic crane lift typically used for street lighting maintenance. The ceremony was attended by numerous BJP workers, administrative officials, and a large gathering of residents who had assembled for the national event.
Hydraulic Crane Malfunction Creates Dangerous Situation
According to eyewitness accounts and reports from the scene, the MP was lifted to the required height using the hydraulic machine’s elevated platform to garland the tall statue. After completing the garlanding ceremony, Singh began his descent when the hydraulic crane suddenly experienced a technical malfunction. The machine jerked violently and stopped abruptly mid-air, leaving the MP stranded in an unstable position for approximately one minute. The sudden halt and imbalance created a precarious situation that caused alarm among those present at the ceremony, with Singh visibly shaken by the experience of being suspended in the air.
Viral Video Shows MP Slapping Crane Operator
Mobile phone footage captured by attendees at the scene quickly went viral across social media platforms, showing the entire sequence of events. In the widely circulated video, MP Ganesh Singh can be seen sitting in the hydraulic box of the crane when it suddenly jerks and stops during descent. Once the machine was brought under control and lowered safely to the ground, the visibly agitated MP immediately called over the crane operator who was standing nearby. The video clearly shows Singh grabbing the operator’s hand, pulling him closer, and delivering a hard slap across his face while appearing to verbally reprimand him in front of the assembled crowd.
Identity of Slapped Employee Emerges
Reports from local media indicate that the employee who was slapped is also named Ganesh, creating an ironic coincidence in the incident. The crane operator, who works for the municipal corporation, was reportedly operating the hydraulic street light vehicle that was being used for the garlanding ceremony. Eyewitnesses stated that the employee had actually approached to help ensure the MP’s safety after the machine malfunctioned, making the physical assault particularly troubling. The incident occurred in full public view with BJP party workers, administrative officers, and numerous citizens present at the venue for the national event.
Congress Seizes Political Opportunity
The opposition Congress party wasted no time in utilizing the incident for political attacks against the ruling BJP. Congress spokesperson Abhinav Baraulia issued a sharp statement criticizing the MP’s behavior: “The slapping of an employee by a BJP MP from Satna demonstrates the arrogance and conceit that BJP representatives are displaying. This shows that the BJP is not for the people or anyone else, but only for arrogance”. The Madhya Pradesh Congress official social media account shared the video with pointed commentary, questioning how the MP got trapped in the crane and labeling him as an arrogant representative. Congress leaders emphasized that the employee’s only “fault” was attempting to help rescue the trapped MP, making the assault particularly egregious.
Opposition Leader’s Scathing Remarks
Congress leader Umang Singhar delivered harsh criticism of the incident, stating that BJP public representatives are now demonstrating power rather than service to citizens. “This slapping is an example of the same arrogance that is speaking from the heads of BJP leaders. The public is watching everything. BJP has become rulers, not servants,” Singhar stated in his social media post responding to the viral video. The opposition has framed the incident as emblematic of a broader pattern of BJP leaders displaying authoritarian behavior and disrespect toward ordinary workers and government employees.
MP’s History of Similar Incidents
Significantly, this is not the first time MP Ganesh Singh has been accused of physically assaulting staff members. According to media reports, Singh had previously faced allegations of slapping a security guard at the famous Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai, though details of that incident and its outcome were not immediately available. The pattern of alleged behavior has led opposition parties to characterize the latest incident as part of a troubling tendency rather than an isolated lapse in judgment. The MP’s past controversies have now resurfaced in public discourse following the latest viral video.
Safety Concerns Over Improper Equipment Use
Local reports have raised serious questions about the appropriateness of using a hydraulic street light maintenance crane for ceremonial garlanding purposes. According to safety regulations, such equipment should only be operated by trained personnel and used strictly for its designated purpose. The use of this machinery for garlanding ceremonies violates established safety protocols and puts both the passengers and operators at unnecessary risk. Administrative officials have reportedly begun an investigation into how permission was granted for this improper use of municipal equipment, though no formal findings have been announced.
Fortunate Escape from Potential Tragedy
Despite the frightening malfunction and the MP being suspended mid-air for nearly a minute, the incident concluded without any physical injuries. Local authorities and BJP workers present at the scene managed to bring the hydraulic crane under control relatively quickly, averting what could have been a serious accident. Had the machinery failed or tipped over during the malfunction, the consequences could have been catastrophic for both the MP and others in the vicinity. Administrative officials have characterized the episode as a narrowly averted major accident.
Investigation Launched into Incident
Following the widespread circulation of the video and growing public outcry, the district administration announced that an investigation had been initiated into the entire incident. The probe will examine multiple aspects, including the technical failure of the hydraulic crane, whether proper safety protocols were followed, who authorized the use of municipal equipment for the ceremony, and the circumstances leading to the physical altercation. However, as of Friday evening, no official findings or statements had been released by investigating authorities.
MP Maintains Silence Despite Controversy
Despite the video generating massive attention across social media platforms and traditional media outlets throughout Friday, BJP MP Ganesh Singh has not issued any public statement addressing the incident. The MP has remained unavailable for comment regarding either the technical failure that endangered him or his subsequent decision to assault the crane operator physically. His office has not responded to media inquiries seeking clarification or an apology for the conduct displayed in the viral video. The silence has allowed the opposition’s narrative to dominate public discourse about the incident.
Political Tensions Escalate in Madhya Pradesh
The incident has intensified political tensions in Madhya Pradesh, providing Congress with fresh ammunition to attack the ruling BJP government. Opposition leaders have characterized the episode as symptomatic of BJP leaders’ alleged high-handedness and disrespect for ordinary workers and government employees. Congress has framed the incident within a broader narrative about the BJP’s governance style, arguing it reflects arrogance rather than the service-oriented approach expected from elected representatives. The controversy arises at a politically sensitive time, as various states prepare for upcoming elections and parties seek to shape public perception of their opponents’ character and values.
Social Media Reaction and Public Outrage
The video has sparked widespread discussion on social media platforms, with users from across the political spectrum expressing disapproval of the MP’s conduct. Many commentators have noted the irony that the incident occurred during a ceremony honoring Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, known for his humility and dedication to public service. Social media users have questioned how an elected representative could physically assault a government employee who was attempting to help during an emergency. The incident has generated thousands of shares, comments, and reactions across Twitter, Facebook, and other platforms, keeping it trending throughout Friday.
Questions About Accountability and Consequences
As of Friday evening, no information was available about whether any disciplinary action would be taken against the MP or whether the assaulted employee had filed a formal complaint. Legal experts have noted that the video evidence clearly shows physical assault, which constitutes a criminal offense regardless of the victim’s employment status. Civil society organizations and workers’ rights groups are reportedly monitoring the situation to see whether authorities will hold the MP accountable or if his political position will shield him from consequences. The incident has reignited broader debates about accountability for elected officials and the protection of government employees’ dignity and safety.
Broader Implications for Public Servants
The incident has highlighted the vulnerability of government employees and workers who serve elected officials during public events. Many social media commentators have expressed sympathy for the crane operator, noting that he was simply performing his assigned duty and attempting to ensure the MP’s safety when the equipment malfunctioned. The episode has raised concerns about the treatment of lower-level government staff by politicians and the power imbalance that often prevents workers from seeking justice when mistreated. Opposition parties have called for stronger protections and accountability mechanisms to prevent similar incidents in the future.
