You might remember a woman commuter who berated Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan over a traffic jam caused by a BJP rally in Worli, Mumbai, on April 21. The woman, identified as Teena Choudhry, has now broken silence on what transpired during the altercation on the road.
In a video posted on social media, she said she has received several messages regarding her safety. "I want to let you know that I'm fine and I appreciate the concern," she told the viewers.
Recounting what happened on the day, she said that she dropped off her daughter for her music class around 4 pm and was meant to pick her up at 4.45 pm. "When I took a left turn from Mahindra Taj, we got stuck in a jam there. I was in my car for 25 minutes. When the traffic did not move, I got out to find out what the problem was," she said.
Choudhry said she approached multiple police officials over the next one-and-a-half hours, trying to convince them that removing two buses could allow the remaining vehicles to make a U-turn and return to the main road.
"I received no reaction, no response," she said.
The woman also clarified that she did not throw any bottle at the protesters but on the ground to get the attention of police officers.
She then recalled that minister Mahajan was the only person in the rally who tried to listen to her when it was around 6.15 pm. "On his instructions, the two buses were moved, and we all took a U-turn, and we were able to join the main road," she said.
Choudhry also warned people against using the incident politically to take potshots at anybody. "All political parties are guilty of the exact same offence. Utter disregard and absolute apathy for the general public. So please do not use my shoulder to fire the gun."
She also pointed out that many people messaged her, saying they liked that fact that she became their voice in such a situation. "Why do I need to be your voice. You have a voice," she added.
Choudhry concluded the video, saying she does not have any social media accounts but she thanked people for sending her messages of love and solidarity and artworks they created during their busy schedule.