A comment targeting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, allegedly made from the official X handle of the Noida/Gautam Budh Nagar District Magistrate, has sparked a major controversy. The incident began when Supriya Shrinate, a Congress leader, shared a video clip of her conversation with a historian on her X handle. In the clip, she stated, “History cannot be changed. History is made. Narendra Modi knows how history will remember him and that is why he is worried.”
Following this, the X handle of the Noida/Gautam Budh Nagar District Magistrate posted a comment directed at Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, reading, “Are tum apni aur apne pappu ke baare m sochu (you think about yourself and pappu).” Shrinate shared a screenshot of the ‘inappropriate’ post and condemned the District Magistrate’s language and thoughts towards the country’s opposition leader. She further stated that the administrative staff is filled with “Sanghis” who are now holding constitutional posts and fueling hatred.
Congress leaders, including Jairam Ramesh, have also demanded action against the officer. Ramesh stated that the comment made on the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha is completely inappropriate and unacceptable. He further added, “This is not a new development. Over the past ten years, India’s bureaucracy and other non-political functionaries have become increasingly politicised.” Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi also criticized the DM, calling him a “bikau sarkari DM” and commending Shrinate for “giving them the hell they deserve!”
The District Magistrate, Manish Verma, has since issued a clarification, stating that his account was compromised and “anti-social elements” misused his ID card to post the “wrong comment.” He further stated that legal action is being taken by registering an FIR immediately and the “wrong tweet/comment” is being investigated by the cyber cell. A copy of the FIR was also later posted on the handle.
This incident has raised concerns about the political bias and unprofessional conduct within the bureaucracy. It has also highlighted the vulnerability of social media accounts and the potential misuse of official platforms. While an FIR has been filed and the incident is being investigated, the damage has already been done, leaving a stain on the reputation of the administrative body and fueling further political tensions.
