New Delhi: The political controversy that began after photographs surfaced of Delhi government minister Parvesh Verma smoking a hookah at his Diwali party continues to remain in discussion. After questions were raised by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Parvesh Verma responded through social media. Sharing a collage of his old photographs, he wrote, “Our culture, our respect.”
Some photographs from a Diwali function held on Sunday had been shared on social media on Tuesday by the Delhi unit of the Aam Aadmi Party. In these pictures, minister Parvesh Verma was seen smoking a hookah. AAP state president Saurabh Bharadwaj questioned the matter, asking how a Diwali party turned into a hookah party. He also asked whether the event was held at a government residence and whether its expenses were paid from government funds.
AAP linked the issue to the BJP’s anti-drug campaign and also targeted the party and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The party alleged that the pictures of a BJP minister sent a different message from the party’s stated position of running a campaign against intoxication.
Parvesh Verma, however, responded through his post by linking the hookah with cultural identity and tradition. Delhi BJP leaders also defended him. Party spokespersons said that in rural society, especially in the Jat community, the hookah has traditionally been a symbol of the chaupal and social interaction.
Amid the controversy, discussion has also begun on the legal distinction between restrictions applicable to hookah consumption in public places and its use in a private residence.
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