The viral video has drawn criticism from political parties, while the Congress party has offered explanations for the events, saying that Anwar was ‘unwell.’
During the inspection, the 74-year-old leader used several modes of transport, like a tractor and a boat, to commute, but was carried by villagers at one point. The 1-minute-13-second clip shows Anwar being carried by the locals as they wade through a waterlogged area.
कटिहार के सांसद “तारिक अनवर” ! थोड़ा भी शर्म – लिहाज बाक़ी रहता, तो राजनीति छोड़ दिए होते ??
pic.twitter.com/CdTHMUezX4
— Abhishek Singh (@Abhishek_LJP) September 8, 2025
Following his visit, he posted pictures and videos on X, emphasising solidarity with those impacted by the floods. “Today, I inspected the flood-affected areas of Manihari and Barari. People are facing severe hardships due to flooding and river erosion. I stand with the affected families in this difficult time and appeal to the government for prompt relief and concrete solutions,” he wrote.
आज मैंने मनिहारी और बरारी के बाढ़ग्रस्त इलाकों का निरीक्षण किया। बाढ़ और नदी कटाव से लोग भारी कठिनाइयों का सामना कर रहे हैं। मैं इस मुश्किल घड़ी में प्रभावित परिवारों के साथ खड़ा हूँ और सरकार से शीघ्र राहत व ठोस समाधान की अपील करता हूँ।#Katihar #BiharFlood pic.twitter.com/rViJwI4FfF
— Tariq Anwar (@itariqanwar) September 7, 2025
Responding to the footage’s growing circulation, Katihar District Congress President Sunil Yadav defended the MP. According to Yadav, Anwar was physically unwell and unable to walk through the flooded area, so locals carried him out of care and affection.
Speaking with NDTV, Yadav clarified that Anwar had been feeling dizzy due to the extreme heat. “We used a tractor, a boat and a bike to travel. During the inspection, our truck got stuck in the mud, and we had to walk around 2 km. It was extremely hot, and Anwar was feeling unwell; his head was spinning. As soon as he expressed this, the villagers picked him, purely out of love, and walked around,” he said.
The video has led to a political row, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) attacking Anwar and the Congress. BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla accused Anwar of seeking ‘VVIP protocol’ in a flood-affected area, claiming it showed a sense of entitlement.
In a post on X, he wrote, “Sense of entitlement of Congress. Even in flood-affected areas, they want VVIP protocol? -Kharge ji insults farmers – Congress MP Tariq Anwar mocks flood relief – sits on the shoulders of people while ‘touring’ flood-affected areas.”
Taking a potshot at Congress and AAP, the BJP leader further said, “Congress MP in VVIP mode. Rahul Gandhi is in vacation mode. AAP in hiding mode.”
Sense of entitlement of Congress
Even in flood affected areas they want VVIP protocol?
-Kharge ji insults farmers– Congress MP Tariq Anwar mocks flood relief – sits on shoulders of people while “touring” flood affected areas
Congress MP in VVIP mode
Rahul Gandhi in… pic.twitter.com/sKF1fQYzbk— Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) September 8, 2025
Speaking to India Today, BJP leader Guru Prakash Paswan criticised the move. He said, “What are you trying to do…you are on the shoulder of a common Bihari and then you are visiting the flood-affected areas? This sense of entitlement the Congress leadership. The Congress is an organisation of privileged dynast…What is he trying to convey? This is beyond our comprehension. This shows how Congress leadership and the entire party have left no stone unturned to insult Bihari sentiment.”
Meanwhile, the polls in Bihar will take place later this year, in October or November. However, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has not yet announced the election dates.
