HighLights
  1. PWD Minister Parvesh Verma slapped an AAP worker.
  2. Incident occurred during a road inspection in Tilak Nagar.
  3. Verma claims worker abused family; AAP alleges corruption.

A fresh controversy erupted in Delhi on Sunday after a video showing PWD Minister Parvesh Verma allegedly slapping a man recording a road inspection in Tilak Nagar circulated on social media. Verma defended his actions, saying he reacted after a worker of AAP MLA Jarnail Singh allegedly abused his family.

The incident took place during a heated exchange between Verma and Singh, who was present at the site and questioned the quality of the newly laid road.

What the Delhi Minister Said

Responding to the allegations, Verma said the video circulated by the Aam Aadmi Party was presented without context and accused the local AAP MLA of demanding a commission from the road contractor.

"You should know the truth behind a video currently being circulated by the Aam Aadmi Party. Road construction work has been underway on the Vikaspuri Ring Road for the past several days. The local MLA, Jarnail Singh, had been pressuring PWD engineers to introduce him to the contractor and arrange for a commission for him; he had been making this demand for quite some time. Our engineer has lodged a complaint at the police station and is getting an FIR registered. Because Jarnail Singh did not receive any commission, he would go to the site in the morning—after the road was laid at night—and tear it up; he would then record and post videos claiming that corruption was taking place. '

"Today, while passing through that route, I told the engineers that I wanted to inspect the work myself. When I stopped and examined the site, I saw that the work was progressing very well. Local residents told me that this road had not been built for 15 years; it was finally being constructed after a decade and a half... I personally called the local MLA, Jarnail Singh, three times. I waited for him for 45 minutes. I had not called any of our own party workers to the site. When Jarnail Singh arrived, he came with his own workers who had been informed in advance, and he immediately began behaving rudely. "

"When one of his workers started hurling abuses at my family, I reacted just as anyone would in the heat of the moment. I want to tell the Aam Aadmi Party that our government is doing today what you failed to accomplish; that is why it is causing you such heartburn..."

Verma said Singh had complained about the quality of the road and that he had asked the AAP MLA to come to the site when he arrived to inspect the work. Verma alleged that Singh brought AAP workers to the location, who abused him and his family, prompting him to react.

He further alleged that attempts to obstruct government work or demand commissions would not be tolerated, while claiming that several roads in Delhi were being constructed after years of neglect.

What Happened Exactly

The video of the incident was shared by Jarnail Singh, who identified the man who was slapped as his colleague.

"This is the BJP government's PWD Minister from Delhi, the capital of India. He had come to inspect the road, but upon seeing scam after scam being exposed, he lost his cool and ended up indulging in thuggery with my colleague who was recording the video."

The video shows Singh questioning Verma about the quality of the road during the inspection. Singh is seen pulling out a portion of the newly laid road surface by hand and showing it to Verma.

The two leaders can be heard engaging in a verbal spat, with Verma saying, "Galat nahi bolna, 15 saal me AAP sadak nahi bana paye, ab hum bana rahe hain. (Don't lie, you couldn't build roads in 15 years, but now we are building them.)

ALSO READ: On Camera, Delhi Minister Parvesh Verma Loses Cool, Slaps Man During Heated Exchange With AAP MLA Jarnail Singh

Singh could be heard arguing, "This one won't last 15 hours." As the argument escalated, Verma began walking away before another confrontation took place.

Verma then slapped a man who was recording the episode. The man, who identified himself as being associated with AAP's social media operations, got into a scuffle with Verma before a security guard intervened and separated them.

Former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal shared the video on X and said he would visit Tilak Nagar on Monday to inspect the road. Kejriwal also demanded Verma's arrest in a video message.

According to the video, Verma was inspecting the road when Singh arrived at the spot and pulled out portions of its surface with his hand, alleging that the material was of poor quality and came off easily.

Singh alleged that Verma had no response when questioned about the quality of the road and instead slapped the man recording the proceedings.

What Victim Said

Speaking to ANI, the man said, "I handle all social media activities for the MLA. We came here after the PWD department called us to inspect the condition of this road. I showed him how the road surface was breaking apart. When this was pointed out, the minister couldn't handle it; he raised his hand against me, and his associates threatened to kill me."

Demanding an apology from Verma, he said, "The police were present right there, and all of this happened in their presence. He must apologise, and whatever disciplinary action is required—such as suspension—should be taken... We aren't just making claims; there is video evidence of everything. Action must be taken. We have lodged an FIR and will pursue further action."


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