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Social media users have intercepted the 73-year-old MLA’s gesture in different ways- ranging from respect to political subservience.
Screengrab of the viral video.
A video showing a 73-year-old MLA Devendra Kumar Jain touching the feet of Jyotiraditya Scindia’s 31-year-old son, Mahaaryaman Scindia, has surfaced on social media and drawn attention.
The video showed Devendra, the party’s MLA from Shivpuri, touching the feet of Mahaaryaman, who is 42 years younger than him.
The 11-second video was recorded at the 69th National School Games, held on Monday at Shivpuri District Stadium in Madhya Pradesh. The day also marked Devendra’s birthday, which he celebrated at the event alongside Maharajyaman Scindia and others.
In video which was originally tweeted by the @ElectionMP2028, Devendra was seen cutting his birthday cake while Mahaaryaman stood beside him clapping. After the cake was cut, Devendra bent and touched feet of the 31-year-old.
Social media users have intercepted the 73-year-old MLA’s gesture in different ways- ranging from respect to political subservience.
Reacting to the video, Devendra said that touching someone’s feet is a personal expression of respect and not something prohibited by any rule or law, NDTV reported.
“There is nothing written in the Constitution that says one cannot touch the feet of someone younger. People are making the video viral, but it does not bother me,” Devendra said.
He added that Maharajyaman Scindia was informed about Devendra’s birthday at the Shivpuri District Stadium.
Devendra said that he was deeply moved by Mahaaryaman’s gesture as he arranged for a cake from the market, and sang the traditional birthday song for him. Thus, out of gratitude, he touched his feet. “It was purely a cultural and personal expression,” he added.
The 73-year-old MLA pointed out that he was a three-time MLA and not “some naive child” to act without understanding the implications of his actions.
Till now, neither Mahaaryaman Scindia nor the BJP leadership has issued an official statement on the controversy. However, the video continues to circulate widely, with political observers saying it reflects the changing dynamics of power, influence and symbolism within party politics.
Madhya Pradesh, India, India
January 08, 2026, 22:33 IST
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