A politically and socially charged controversy has erupted in Uttarakhand after former Chief Minister and current Haridwar MP Trivendra Singh Rawat made a caste-laced remark targeting Brajesh Sant, a Dalit IAS officer and the state’s Secretary of Mining.
The Controversial Remark
The incident began when Rawat, during a session in Parliament, alleged rampant illegal mining in the state. In response, IAS officer Brajesh Sant labeled the claims as misleading and baseless.
In reaction to Sant’s statement, Rawat retorted with the now-viral phrase:
“Lions don’t hunt dogs.”
This comment has been widely interpreted as casteist and demeaning, sparking strong criticism from across the bureaucratic and political spectrum.
IAS Association Steps In
The Uttarakhand IAS Association swiftly responded by holding an urgent meeting and passing a formal resolution condemning the remark. The resolution emphasized:
“Every officer deserves dignity and respect, regardless of caste or designation. Such statements demoralize the administrative system and affect the efficiency of governance.”
They urged political leaders to maintain decorum and avoid statements that could be seen as disrespectful toward civil servants.
Protests & Public Backlash
The controversy reached the streets of Haridwar, particularly the Jaatwada area, where local residents staged protests against Rawat’s comment. Civil rights groups and activists demanded an official apology from the MP, calling the statement a reflection of deep-rooted caste biases in politics.
Political Divide Widens
Reactions from political parties followed quickly:
- BJP State President Mahendra Bhatt attempted to downplay Rawat’s remarks and shifted focus to the party’s success in boosting legal mining revenues, stating that over ₹832 crore was generated in 2024 alone.
- On the other hand, Congress leader Yashpal Arya slammed the BJP, claiming that: “The state is witnessing large-scale illegal mining under political protection, and those who expose it are targeted.”
The Bigger Picture: Illegal Mining in Uttarakhand
This controversy sheds light on a deeper issue—illegal mining in Uttarakhand.
- Reports suggest a 20% rise in illegal mining activities between 2022 and 2024.
- While legal mining revenue reached a record ₹832 crore in 2024 (State Mining Department), activists argue that the real picture is marred by unchecked, unreported mining operations.
- There have been 7 formal complaints filed in the last year alone regarding misconduct and disrespect toward bureaucrats in the state.
Final Word
What began as a dispute over mining has now opened up conversations about caste sensitivity, bureaucratic respect, and the ethical responsibilities of political leaders. Whether or not Rawat’s comment was meant metaphorically, it has undoubtedly triggered a much-needed debate on how civil servants—especially from marginalized communities—are treated in India’s power corridors.
As of now, there is no public apology from Trivendra Singh Rawat.
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