Archive · 15 Sep 2026
Mumbai BJP MLA Parag Shah Disguises Himself As Beggar
Parag Shah is a politician from Mumbai.
He dressed like a beggar and went onto the streets of Ghatkopar.
He asked people for money and food and sat by the roadside.
He left his car, security team and expensive belongings behind.
Makeup helped people avoid recognizing him.
A Jain spiritual guru suggested the experience during Jain Chaturmas.
Shah said it showed him how people may treat someone differently when they do not know that person’s social status.
He also saw people helping him, including someone who gave him money and a food seller who gave him a samosa.
Afterward, he removed his makeup and returned to meet some of the same people.
Parag Shah, a Mumbai BJP MLA, spent several hours dressed as a beggar on Ghatkopar streets.
He left behind his security personnel, vehicle and expensive belongings before seeking alms.
Makeup and a changed appearance reportedly prevented people from recognizing him.
The exercise was undertaken during Jain Chaturmas on the suggestion of spiritual guru Namramuni Maharaj.
Shah declared assets exceeding Rs 3,383 crore in his 2024 Maharashtra Assembly election affidavit, while some social-media posts claimed a figure above Rs 5,000 crore.
- Who
- Parag Shah, a Bharatiya Janata Party MLA from Mumbai’s Ghatkopar East constituency.
- What
- He disguised himself as a beggar, sought alms, ate donated food and spent several hours on Ghatkopar streets.
- When
- During Jain Chaturmas; the articles do not provide an exact date.
- Where
- Ghatkopar, Mumbai, Maharashtra.
- Why
- At the suggestion of Jain spiritual guru Namramuni Maharaj, to experience life without the comforts and privileges associated with Shah’s wealth and political position.
- Politician
- Parag Shah, Bharatiya Janata Party MLA
- Location
- Ghatkopar, Mumbai
- Activity
- Dressed as a beggar, sought alms and sat by the roadside
- Religious period
- Jain Chaturmas
- Declared assets
- More than Rs 3,383 crore in his 2024 Maharashtra Assembly election affidavit
- Business interests
- Mainly linked to the real estate sector
- Previous office
- Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation corporator
