At least one hundred people gathered outside the BJP MLA's residence in Mumbai. (Photo: Kamlesh Sutar/ India Today)

As Maharashtra continues its battle against the coronavirus, a BJP MLA from Wardha district on Sunday allegedly violated the lockdown norms by distributing dry ration to people at his residence to mark his birthday.

Dadarao Keche, BJP MLA from Aarvi in Wardha district, distributed wheat and rice outside his house to celebrate his birthday.

The BJP MLA's actions made hundreds of people gather outside his residence even when the world leaders and doctors have emphasised on social distancing as a key to keep the coronavirus at bay.

At least one hundred people gathered outside the MLA's residence, crowding the narrow lane, to receive free grains before officials and police personnel reached the spot and dispersed them.

Photo: Kamlesh Sutar/India Today

The incident took place earlier on Sunday morning. The video and pictures immediately went viral.

When India Today TV spoke with him, Dadarao Keche said he wanted to distribute the ration to only 21 people blamed the opposition for conspiring against him by sending hundreds in front of his house.

"I distribute food to the poor and needy every year on my birthday. I was planning to distribute food grains only to 21 families. After doing that I left for a temple but then opposition conspired and spread the message that I was distributing free ration to everyone. This resulted in mass gathering," Dadarao Keche said in his defense.