Opposition alleges conflict of interest; Sarnaik says sponsorship predated action against bike taxi service
Key Points
- Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik recently exposed Rapido’s alleged illegal bike taxi services in Mumbai.
- Rapido is now the main sponsor for his son Purvesh Sarnaik’s Pro-Govinda League event.
- Opposition leaders accuse Sarnaik of misusing ministerial power and performing a “publicity stunt.”
- Sarnaik says the sponsorship was finalised before his sting operation.
The Sting Operation Against Rapido
On July 2, Sarnaik booked a ride via the Rapido app to check claims that its illegal bike taxi services were not operational in Mumbai.
Using a different name, he booked a trip from the Mantralaya to Dadar. The rider arrived within 10 minutes and was stunned to meet the Transport Minister.
In a video posted on his official X account, Sarnaik told the rider:
“I am the Transport Minister. These rules are for your benefit… We will not file a case against you, but the people behind the illegal operation should be punished.”
He offered the rider ₹500, which was refused, and clarified that no action would be taken against him.
Opposition Questions Rapido Sponsorship
Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar alleged that Sarnaik’s sting was a “stunt” to secure sponsorship for his son’s dahi handi competition.
“First, catch a poor bike rider for violating rules, publicise it, and then get event funding from the same company in trouble — what a brilliant idea,” Wadettiwar said in a Marathi post on X.
NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar called it an “abuse of ministerial power”, claiming it showed the government works for its own benefit, not for the people.
Sarnaik and Son Defend Sponsorship
Sarnaik said linking the sponsorship to politics was “wrong”, stating that Rapido had been sponsoring the Pro-Govinda League since its launch.
“I acted against Rapido on July 2, while the sponsorship was confirmed on May 26. I fearlessly took action against a company sponsoring my son’s event,” he said.
Purvesh Sarnaik, president of the Pro-Govinda League, also dismissed the criticism, noting there were multiple sponsors and that the event was unrelated to his father’s political role.
Sponsorship Row Adds Political Fuel
The sponsorship dispute has turned a transport regulation issue into a political flashpoint. While the minister insists the two matters are unrelated, the opposition sees it as a textbook case of conflict of interest. With public perception now in play, the controversy could overshadow both the sting operation and the festive event it surrounds.
