Tina Dabi and BJP chief Satish Poonia
IAS Officer Tina Dabi bowed Once. Then twice. Then a 3rd time. Repeated it for a fourth time. And a fifth time. All this in a span of seven seconds. She was seen greeting BJP chief Satish Poonia, former Rajasthan BJP state president.
The younger officer’s effusive gestures have raised a debate over propriety and politician-bureaucrat dynamics.
In a video that’s viral, a convoy of white SUVs involves a halt. A safety officer dashes to the entrance, opens the door for Mr Poonia, seated within the entrance; he steps out whereas chatting with somebody on his cellular, reveals the undated video.
Tina Dabi, who took over as District Collector of Barmer in Rajasthan final month, waits to greet the chief. Even as Mr Poonia continues to be checking his telephone, the IAS officer bows and greets the chief, 5 occasions in seven seconds, reveals the video.
“Thank you. Thank you. Tina Dabi accha kaam kar rahi hai, safai karwa rahi hai, dustbin lagwa rahi hai (Tina Dabi is doing good work. Is getting the cleansing performed, getting the dustbins put in),” says Mr Poonia, showering reward on the officer who is usually on trending lists.
Mr Poonia surveys the scene, places his telephone again into his kurta pocket, and turns to the officer. “Dadaigiri kar rahe ho (You are bullying),” he jokes, then provides, “Lekin achha kaam kar rahe ho (But you might be doing good work). Barmer will even change into like Indore. You are doing a great job.”
Tina Dabi is seen greeting the chief with folded palms, thrice in fast succession.
Mr Poonia greets the others current and strikes forward.
Tina Dabi, whose wedding ceremony to fellow IAS officer Pradeep Gawande made headlines in 2023, has began an modern initiative – “Navo Barmer”- which means new Barmer.
Under the initiative, cleanliness campaigns are being run within the metropolis utilizing new-age know-how.