Anand Mahindra Criticized for Sharing Video of Garba in Flooded Gujarat: Accused of 'Romanticizing Crippled Infrastructure'

New Delhi: Anand Mahindra, known for his engaging social media presence, faced backlash after sharing a video on X (formerly Twitter) that many found insensitive. The video featured a group of people performing Garba in knee-deep water in flood-hit Gujarat, a state where at least 47 people have lost their lives due to rain-related incidents.

The Controversial Post

In his post, Mahindra praised the resilience of the people, highlighting the strong connection between Gujarat and Garba. "Gujarat aur Garba. Ek gazab ka rishta…Unstoppable (Gujarat and Garba, an amazing relationship)," wrote the chairman of Mahindra Group. However, he did not specify where in Gujarat the video was filmed.

Social Media Backlash

The post quickly drew criticism from social media users who felt that Mahindra was downplaying the severe infrastructure issues faced by the state during the monsoon season. Many pointed out that the video seemed to romanticize the hardships caused by flooding, which has led to significant damage and inconvenience for residents.

Concerns About Infrastructure

In recent weeks, social media has been filled with complaints about the impact of heavy rainfall on infrastructure across India, including Gujarat. Issues like waterlogged roads, damaged vehicles, and electrocution incidents have been reported. Many users found it inappropriate for a billionaire to celebrate an event occurring on a flooded road, considering the serious challenges people are facing.