'Rent a garba partner' for Rs 1,500–Rs 6,500: Mumbai BJP MLA files complaint over Instagram ads
MUMBAI: BJP MLA Sanjay Upadhyay on Tuesday filed a police complaint seeking an immediate probe into social media advertisements offering “Rent a Garba Partner” for Navratri.
In his complaint to Mumbai police, Upadhyay said the advertisements offer Garba companions for Rs 1,500 to Rs 6,500, with options ranging from a few hours to an entire day.
Some of the posts feature pictures of men and women and offer different packages depending on the duration and facilities.
One of the packages advertises a partner for 24 hours during Navratri, prompting Upadhyay to question the premise of the offering. “Who plays Garba for an entire day?” he asked.
From Garba company to reels and matching outfitsThe posts circulating on social media offer more than just a companion for a Garba night. Depending on the package, they advertise selfies, Garba step tutorials, reels and videos, as well as mentions on the partner’s social media accounts.
Some posts also offer matching outfits and promise to create a “cute back story” about how the pair met. Others offer companionship for selected Garba nights or after-party gatherings.
The advertisements use package categories such as Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond, with prices varying according to the services and duration offered.
MLA seeks probe into advertisementsUpadhyay said Navratri is traditionally observed as a religious festival and people generally attend Garba events with their families, friends and social circles.
He questioned the intent behind advertisements offering strangers as Garba partners and urged Mumbai Police to investigate the activities being promoted through the posts.
Upadhyay also alleged that youngsters could be trapped through such arrangements and their videos later misused. He appealed to police to take strict action against those “defaming Hindu festivals”.
In his complaint to Mumbai police, Upadhyay said the advertisements offer Garba companions for Rs 1,500 to Rs 6,500, with options ranging from a few hours to an entire day.
Some of the posts feature pictures of men and women and offer different packages depending on the duration and facilities.
One of the packages advertises a partner for 24 hours during Navratri, prompting Upadhyay to question the premise of the offering. “Who plays Garba for an entire day?” he asked.
From Garba company to reels and matching outfitsThe posts circulating on social media offer more than just a companion for a Garba night. Depending on the package, they advertise selfies, Garba step tutorials, reels and videos, as well as mentions on the partner’s social media accounts.
Some posts also offer matching outfits and promise to create a “cute back story” about how the pair met. Others offer companionship for selected Garba nights or after-party gatherings.
The advertisements use package categories such as Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond, with prices varying according to the services and duration offered.
MLA seeks probe into advertisementsUpadhyay said Navratri is traditionally observed as a religious festival and people generally attend Garba events with their families, friends and social circles.
He questioned the intent behind advertisements offering strangers as Garba partners and urged Mumbai Police to investigate the activities being promoted through the posts.
Upadhyay also alleged that youngsters could be trapped through such arrangements and their videos later misused. He appealed to police to take strict action against those “defaming Hindu festivals”.
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