PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
A viral video of cabinet minister Ganesh Joshi reprimanding Dehradun district magistrate Savin Bansal for not picking his call has resulted in a war of words between Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party in Uttarakhand. The incident occurred during Joshi’s visit to disaster-hit areas of Dehradun on Tuesday when he confronted Bansal, who was accompanied by senior superintendent of police Ajai Singh.
In the video, Joshi can be seen telling Bansal to “set your ways right.” When Bansal asked what happened, Joshi said that the chief secretary, Garhwal commissioner and sub-divisional magistrate answered his calls on Monday night but the DM did not. While the minister continued to speak, Bansal greeted the minister with folded hands and left without further response.
Congress leaders called it a disrespectful behaviour by a minister to an IAS officer. Congress spokesperson Garima Dasauni questioned whether the DM should attend to public needs or respond to political leaders’ calls during a disaster. She alleged that ministers are pressuring officials for political gains, which can undermine disaster management efforts.
However, the BJP defended Joshi, stating that both elected representatives and administrative officers are accountable to the public and should work accordingly. The State BJP spokesperson Manveer Singh Chauhan said that the minister’s concern was related to public safety and his concern was justified but he also added that dignity should be maintained while addressing such concerns. On being questioned about the incident, Joshi refused to comment further on the video but said that public representatives carry direct responsibilities toward citizens which must be respected by all.
