Dehradun. A video showing Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Ganesh Joshi publicly admonishing Dehradun District Magistrate (DM) Savin Bansal has gone viral on social media, sparking a political row between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress.
The incident took place on Tuesday during Joshi’s visit to rain-affected areas of Dehradun, where relief and rescue operations are underway. In the video, the minister is seen confronting DM Bansal in the presence of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ajai Singh.
Joshi can be heard telling the DM to “set your ways right.” When Bansal sought clarification, the minister remarked that while the Chief Secretary, Garhwal Commissioner, and Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) had answered his phone calls the previous night, the district magistrate had failed to respond.
Throughout the exchange, Bansal maintained composure, folded his hands in greeting, and quietly walked away without reacting further.
The video has triggered a sharp political reaction. The Congress has accused the BJP of “insulting and demoralizing” bureaucrats amid an ongoing natural disaster, while the BJP has defended its minister, claiming that timely communication between officials and elected representatives is crucial during a crisis.
The episode has fueled a fresh round of debate on the relationship between politicians and the bureaucracy in Uttarakhand, with many questioning whether such public rebukes help or hinder effective disaster management.
