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Richest Maharashtra MLA Parag Shah Disguises Himself as a Beggar for a Day
A Mumbai BJP MLA dressed as a beggar for several hours to experience how people treat someone without money, power or social status.
BJP MLA Dresses as Beggar to Experience Life Without Money and Status
Parag Shah, the BJP MLA from Ghatkopar East, spent several hours dressed as a beggar on the streets of Ghatkopar on September 14, 2026.
Shah, who had declared assets worth more than Rs 3,383 crore in his 2024 Maharashtra Assembly election affidavit, left behind his security, vehicles and expensive belongings for the experience. He used makeup and old clothes so people would not recognise him.
The idea was suggested by his Jain spiritual guru, Namramuni. Shah said the experience was meant to help him understand how people are treated when they do not have money, power or social status.
While dressed as a beggar, Shah asked people for food and money and ate what people gave him. One person gave him Rs 20, while a samosa seller gave him five samosas after Shah said he had no money. He also received dal, rice and water at a food distribution point.
Shah later removed his disguise and returned to some of the same places. He said the experience showed him how differently people can treat someone when they do not know their identity or position.
The unusual incident was recorded on video and later went viral on social media.