A heated verbal exchange between BJP corporator Vishwajeet Tripathi and Lok Sabha MP Ravi Kishan unfolded during heavy rains in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, according to a video circulating on social media. The conversation, recorded by Tripathi, centered on flood preparedness and waterlogging in the city. Kishan, representing the constituency of Gorakhpur, had previously inspected waterlogged areas and coordinated with the administration. The incident occurred as the city faced severe waterlogging due to torrential rains, which left at least four people dead in weather-related incidents, according to district magistrate Deepak Meena.

Tripathi, who is a BJP councillor, raised concerns about the functioning of floodwater regulators at Tarkulahi and near Palm Paradise. He sought Kishan's intervention, prompting the actor-politician to respond that he was already monitoring the situation. The conversation took a lighter turn when Kishan referred to Tripathi as 'Brahman Devta' and asked, 'Samajwadi Party join karliya hai kya?' Tripathi retorted by asking Kish, 'Have you joined BSP?' The video, which has since gone viral, has sparked political discussion.

Tripathi stated he did not know who had recorded or circulated the conversation. He explained that he had called Kishan while sitting with local residents during the heavy rainfall, as irrigation department officials were not accessible to municipal representatives. Kishan, meanwhile, said he was personally on the streets monitoring the situation and coordinating with the administration. He described the rainfall as unprecedented, noting that Gorakhpur had not experienced such heavy rain in nearly two decades. He emphasized the need to address people's grievances and restore normalcy, urging that such situations should not be politicised.

The Samajwadi Party responded to the exchange, with its district president Brijesh Gautam stating that the party's doors were open to people dissatisfied with BJP policies. Gautam noted that Tripathi had earlier been elected on an SP ticket before joining the BJP. The BJP, through its regional general secretary Satendra Sinha, said any action in the matter would be decided by the party's disciplinary committee. Sinha expressed a personal view that the issue should have been raised on the party forum instead of being taken to social media. He also described the heavy rainfall as a natural calamity and said BJP workers and government agencies had worked through the night to manage the situation, with most areas free of waterlogging by Sunday morning after the rain subsided.

The incident highlights the challenges of flood preparedness and local governance in Gorakhpur. While the administration has deployed teams to assist affected residents, the exact extent of the damage and the effectiveness of the response remain unclear. The conversation between Kishan and Tripathi has raised questions about the role of local politicians in addressing such crises. However, no further details about the conversation or the disciplinary actions against Tripathi have been provided. The situation underscores the need for transparency and accountability in municipal governance during natural disasters.