Last Updated:
Abhimanyu Poonia said that if youth were being troubled by officials, they should not hesitate to take action.
Poonia is not the only leader from Rajasthan whose statements sparked controversy in recent times.
In a controversial remark, Rajasthan’s Youth Congress president Abhimanyu Poonia recently said that government officials should be “hit” if they did not pay heed to public concerns. Speaking at an event in Sedwa, Barmer, Poonia said, “If an officer troubles you, beat him up.” His remarks sparked widespread discussion and concern across the state, particularly regarding the tone and implications of his words.
Poonia, who represents the Sangaria constituency in Hanumangarh district, made the statement at a public gathering held as part of the Youth Congress’s nationwide ‘Naukri Do, Nasha Nahi’ campaign. The event aimed to raise awareness about drug abuse and youth employment, drawing a large crowd of young people. Prior to the event, a bike rally was organised by local youth in protest against drug use.
While addressing the gathering, Poonia took aim at the state government, particularly criticising the administration and bureaucracy. In a forceful tone, he remarked that if youth are troubled by officials, they should not hesitate to take action. “The youth are strong. The youth of Barmer, Jaisalmer, and Marwar are particularly strong. If an officer troubles you, beat him up,” Poonia said, which immediately caught the attention of political observers and his critics alike.
Who Is Abhimanyu Poonia?
Abhimanyu Poonia is no stranger to political controversy. Before becoming the Youth Congress president in Rajasthan, Poonia was actively involved in student politics, having served as the General Secretary of the Rajasthan University Students Union. He also held the position of Rajasthan president of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI). Poonia is known for his bold statements and confrontational political style, often aligning himself with the ideological perspectives of prominent Congress leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Sachin Pilot. He is viewed as a strong supporter of Pilot’s faction within the party.
Poonia is not the only leader from Rajasthan whose statements sparked controversy in recent times. Several other political figures in the state, including Education Minister Madan Dilawar from the Bhajan Lal government, Nagaur MP Hanuman Beniwal, and Rajasthan Congress President Govind Singh Dotasara, also made headlines for their contentious remarks. These leaders frequently criticised both the government and the bureaucracy, often resorting to inflammatory language in their speeches.
Poonia’s remarks were also consistent with his assertive political stance, but they raised concerns over their appropriateness and potential to escalate tensions. His comment, which encouraged violence against officials, attracted significant backlash from both political opponents and the public.
While some may argue that such statements reflect the frustration of local leaders with the bureaucracy and political system, critics warn that they risk inciting unrest and violence. The frequent occurrence of such statements in Rajasthan’s political landscape highlights the deepening divisions and growing dissatisfaction among various political groups.
- Location :
Rajasthan, India
