{
  "id": 7358313,
  "title": "‘Someone gave ₹20 to eat’: BJP's richest Maharashtra MLA Parag Shah turns beggar for a day",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/someone-gave-20-to-eat-bjps-richest-maharashtra-mla-parag-shah-turns",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-14T16:33:22.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hindustan Times",
    "slug": "hindustan-times",
    "url": "https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/someone-gave-rs-20-to-eat-bjp-mla-parag-shah-with-rs-3-383-crore-assets-turns-beggar-for-a-day-on-gurus-advice-101789399480097.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "BJP's richest Maharashtra MLA, Parag Shah, donned the role of a beggar for a day in Mumbai, leaving behind his security detail, cars and expensive belongings. The businessman-turned-politician, representing Ghatkopar (East), sought alms and ate food offered to him by locals. Shah, inspired by his Jain spiritual guru Namramuni, spent several hours on the streets, undergoing makeup to conceal his identity. The video of Shah in disguise quickly went viral on social media before details of the act emerged. Reflecting on the experience, Shah stated that it helped him understand how people behave when their social status is not known. He observed that people who once lined up to meet him became taller than him when they recognized him. Shah also noted the generosity of people in Mumbai, mentioning that a samosa seller provided him with food without any charge, even after Shah informed him of his lack of money. The experience left a lasting impact on Shah, who shared the story with his guru and others.",
  "summary": "Parag Shah, who represents Ghatkopar (East), sought alms and ate food offered to him while sitting by the roadside.",
  "key_points": [
    "Parag Shah, BJP's wealthiest Maharashtra MLA, spent a day as a beggar in Mumbai.",
    "He left his security, cars, and expensive belongings behind to seek alms.",
    "Shah's experience inspired by Jain guru Namramuni, highlighted Mumbai's generosity."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}