Mumbai: A video recorded inside the electricity department of the Malegaon Municipal Corporation has triggered sharp political and public reactions after it showed a group of people offering namaz within the premises of the government office. The footage, which surfaced on social media, quickly went viral and set off a heated debate across Malegaon and beyond.
The incident reportedly occurred during a protest over an unresolved electricity supply issue affecting a local ward. Residents claimed that despite repeated written complaints and follow-ups, the power disruption had not been addressed by civic authorities.
Protest Over Power Disruptions
The demonstration was led by Lukman Kamal, head of the Malegaon Lok Sangharsh Samiti, who along with other residents visited the civic office seeking immediate redressal. According to Kamal, the group had been asked to come to the office in the afternoon to discuss the issue.
“We were told to come at 3 pm, but no official met us. We were informed they were in a meeting, and we kept waiting,” Kamal said. He explained that as the waiting continued, it became time for the Asr prayer during the holy month of Ramadan. “If we had stepped out, the office might have closed and our electricity problem would have remained unresolved. So we offered namaz there itself,” he added.
BJP Demands Strict Action
The development drew a strong response from the Bharatiya Janata Party. Senior BJP leader Kirit Somaiya condemned the incident and called for immediate disciplinary measures.
In a public statement, Somaiya alleged that government employees were involved and described the act as “illegal conduct.” He said he had written to Devendra Fadnavis, urging strict action and the registration of an FIR against those responsible. “A government office cannot be used for such purposes. Action must be taken,” he said.
