‘Cut Lemons to Stop Rain’: BJP MP’s Remark Draws Congress Jibe, ‘Try It on Inflation’

The weather was bad, raining heavily, and I received the information that CM will visit, so I prayed to Mahadev and cut a lemon and stopped the rain.

By Sakshi.

New Delhi, August 27: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Bhojraj Nag claimed to have stopped the rain by "cutting lemons," as there was an event scheduled to host Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai in Chhattisgarh. Nag's remark went viral on social media, grabbing the attention of state Congress unit who mocked him, saying, "try it with inflation".

“The weather was bad, raining heavily, and I received the information that CM will visit, so I prayed to Mahadev and cut a lemon and stopped the rain,” said he during the event in Balod district. This was not the first time when Nag made to the headlines with "cutting the lemons" remarks.

He has repeatedly invoked lemon, jhaad-phoonk and ghost removal in the public, and subsequently triggering a new debate every time.

BJP MP Bhojraj Nag claimed to have stopped the rain by "cutting lemons," as there was an event scheduled to host Chief Minister ( Image from viral video )

Past records where he has mentioned about jhaad - phoonk

Earlier, the BJP Lok Sabha MP had threatened to cut a lemon for officials who failed to respond to public complaints - a remark elucidated as invoking a ritual to remove something like obstruction or ill luck. He drew criticism to his past comments linked to jhaad-phoonk and similar practices, from a majority of people.

The fresh remarks came at a public meeting in Daundilohara on Tuesday, where Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai had arrived for a Mahtari Vandan scheme event. The video with this statement went viral, drawing ridicule from the Congress and criticism from anti-superstition campaigners.

Referencing the bad weather, Nag explained that the Chief Minister's protocol was received around midnight and the conditions had also been poor since the previous day.

“Now the programme has been successful. If it has to rain, let it rain,” the MP said, prompting smiles and laughter from Sai and others on the dais.

Congress comments

Deepak Baij, Congress Chhattisgarh chief, ridiculed the statement, accusing Nag of indulging in a charade and spreading superstition and misinformation. He said if cutting a lemon can stop the rain, then he can cut one to bring down the sugar prices and inflation as well, taking a swipe at Nag's claim.

The statement was also mocked on social media. Users asked whether the same method could be used to drop electricity bills, fuel prices and household expenses.