IAS Tina Dabi bows her head to the BJP leader “5 times in 7 seconds”. Viral video sparks debate | On trend

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The video that sparked a debate

In the viral video, Dabi is seen greeting Satish Poonia, who previously held the post of state president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Rajasthan and is currently overseeing the party's operations in Haryana. The footage shows Dabi bowing her head several times – reportedly “five times in seven seconds” – as a gesture of respect towards Poonia. This act is acknowledged with Poonia praising her efforts in Barmer district and declaring, “Barmer is becoming just like Indore. They do good work.”

Watch the clip here:

Mixed reactions from the public

While many praised Dabi's modesty, the incident sparked debate about the relationship between officials and politicians. Some observers expressed concerns about the way the media portrayed the incident, suggesting that the reporting was merely a sensationalization of what was a sign of respect from a subordinate to a superior.

(Also Read: 'Dukaan band karwa dungi': IAS Tina Dabi tells shopkeepers during Barmer cleanliness drive)

Social media users have expressed their opinions on the matter and highlighted the positive aspects of Dabi's gesture. One user noted, “Saying to the elders is not a bad thing; on the contrary, it is a good thing.” Another user, Pratibha Pundir, echoed this sentiment and stated, “I don't understand what's wrong with it. Greeting your elders is not a bad thing; It’s a good thing!”

But conflicting views have emerged, and others question whether such displays of respect blur the lines between public service and political loyalty. One comment warned: “This type of behavior can undermine the independence of civil servants.” Another user noted: “It is important for civil servants to maintain a certain distance from political leaders.”

About Tina Dabi

Dabi started her administrative career in 2017 as a deputy collector in Ajmer. Her previous marriage to IAS officer Athar Aamir Khan attracted a lot of media attention but ended in 2020 after two years. Dabi's rise in the civil service continues to make headlines, especially alongside her younger sister Ria Dabi, who achieved notable achievements by securing an all-India rank of 15 in the 2020 UPSC exam. Currently, Tina is married to IAS Pradeep Gawande, who serves as the district collector in Jalore. The couple, who tied the knot in 2022, welcomed their first child, a baby boy, in September 2023.