Maharashtra BJP MLA Parag Shah, one of the state’s wealthiest legislators and a prominent real estate businessman, recently gave up his usual security detail, cars and expensive belongings to spend several hours dressed as a beggar on the streets of Ghatkopar in Mumbai. Shah said the experience gave him a different perspective on respect, wealth and the “reality of life”.
The unusual act drew attention after a video of the Ghatkopar East MLA in beggar’s attire surfaced on social media. Shah had undergone makeup to conceal his identity before taking to the streets and seeking alms from people.
Who is Parag Shah, the BJP MLA who dressed as a beggar?
Shah is a businessman active in the real estate sector and serves as the CEO of Man Infra, a company worth more than Rs 5,000 crore. He has also served as a corporator of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.
His declared wealth has previously put him among Maharashtra’s richest politicians. In his affidavit for the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, Shah declared assets worth more than Rs 3,383 crore, making him the richest candidate in the state at the time.
