Insta
People who participated in the Tablighi Jamaat event (Representative Image)
The Karnataka government on Friday (1 May) issued a show cause notice to an IAS officer over his recent tweet in which he referred to Tablighis as “heroes” serving the country, and lashed out at their critics including those in the media, reports Hindustan Times.
The officer, Mohammad Mohsin, tweeted, "More than 300 Tablighi Heroes are donating their plasma to serve the country in New Delhi only. What about? #Godi Media? They will not show the works of humanity done by these heroes."
As per one senior official, the action against the officer showed that Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa is not willing to compromise on any remarks by officials that have communal overtones.
“At a time when the state government under Chief Minister Yediyurappa is leading a fight against Covid-19 by taking all sections along, it is better that officers not make remarks which are political in nature or can create disharmony,” another senior official was quoted as saying as per the report.
It is in this respect that the officer has been issued a show cause asking him to explain his comments on social media. The government has sought a written explanation from the officer within five days stating why his remarks should not be seen as violation of the All India Service (Conduct) rules, 1968.
The notice, accessed by PTI, read, "The adverse coverage this tweet has got in the media has been taken note of seriously by the government, given the serious nature of COVID-19 and the sensitivities involved."
Another senior state bureaucrat reportedly said, "The Karnataka government has made it clear that it would not hesitate to act even against powerful functionaries if their actions are damaging to the harmony in the state at a time when all are united in fighting COVID-19."
It should be noted that he is the same officer who was suspended by Election Commission last year for violation of Election protocol.
He tried to check the convoy of the Prime Minister after he landed to address a public meeting in Sambalpur. Instructions from the ECI panel recommend a strict protocol adherence before and while checking protectees under the protection of the Special Protection Group (SPG).
Support Swarajya's 50 Ground Reports Project & Sponsor A Story
Every general election Swarajya does a 50 ground reports project.
Aimed only at serious readers and those who appreciate the nuances of political undercurrents, the project provides a sense of India's electoral landscape. As you know, these reports are produced after considerable investment of travel, time and effort on the ground.
This time too we've kicked off the project in style and have covered over 30 constituencies already. If you're someone who appreciates such work and have enjoyed our coverage please consider sponsoring a ground report for just Rs 2999 to Rs 19,999 - it goes a long way in helping us produce more quality reportage.
You can also back this project by becoming a subscriber for as little as Rs 999 - so do click on this links and choose a plan that suits you and back us.
Click below to contribute.
Latest