Bride-for-vote request at fuel pump stumps MLA

KANPUR: Marriages may be made in heaven but as UP BJP MLA Brajbhushan Rajput discovered recently to his surprise, some could shift gears and set the ball rolling from a mundane fuel station.

Rajput had stopped at a fuel station in Mahoba to have his vehicle refilled when an employee there asked for his help in finding a bride, reminding him that he had voted for the legislator. "I voted for you. Now you should arrange my marriage," the employee is heard telling the Charkhari MLA in an interaction that has gone viral. TOI has not verified the video's authenticity.

No stranger to odd requests from voters and supporters, Rajput appears briefly stunned by the bizarre overture, only to quickly regain poise and assure the staffer that he would help him find a suitable match soon.

Asked about his financial status, the employee tells Rajput that his monthly salary is around Rs 6,000 but he owns 13 bighas of land. At this, the MLA responds: "You're quite well-off. I'll arrange your marriage soon."

As the discussion advances, Rajput asks if the employee would prefer a bride from his own caste or is open to other castes. The staffer tells the MLA he would like someone from his own caste. The legislator then encourages him to be more open-minded. "Don't worry about caste. The girl destined for you will find her way to you," Rajput says.