Maharashtra transport minister pulled a bold move by exposing Rapido illegal bike-taxi operation in Mumbai. After being assured by officials that no app-based services were active, he booked a ride himself under a false name. Within ten minutes a bike showed up outside Mantralaya. He then revealed his identity, handed the rider ₹500, and urged enforcement to target the platform, not the driver.
Clash Between Enforcement and Event Funding
That act of enforcement now sits awkwardly beside another: Rapido emerged as lead sponsor for the Pro Govinda League, a sporting event tied to his family. Opposition figures have pounced. NCP-SP MLA Rohit Pawar accused the minister of misusing his position to pressure Rapido for sponsorship.
Defenders argue the company had already backed the league before the sting. The minister insisted sporting events should stay outside politics. He said his son has run the league for years to promote a safer Dahi Handi with mats.
Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar didn’t hold back. He framed it as a stunt first book a ride, catch Rapido breaking rules, then get them to fund your event. He made it sound like a PR script written in real time.
People are left wondering where this leaves transparency and trust. The minister had taken a principled step on illegal operations. This twist undercuts that narrative. It raises questions beyond event funding about consistency in ethics when politics and family events mix.
