Viral Video: IAS Tina Dabi Bows To BJP Politician 8 Times In Seconds, Sparks Debate
Tina Dabi IAS who is serving in Rajasthan’s Barmer is household name in India for her spectacular achievement in Civil Services at a very young age. Now, a viral video featuring the IAS officer has sparked widespread online debate, showcasing her exchanging multiple bows in rapid succession with BJP leader Satish Poonia. Tina Dabi, who recently took over as District Collector of Barmer, Rajasthan, greeted Poonia with notable deference, bowing multiple times in the span of just a few seconds. The interaction, captured in a viral video, has stirred discussions on social media regarding the age old debate surrounding boundaries of propriety and the relationship between politicians and bureaucrats.
The video begins with a convoy of white SUVs halting as security personnel open the door for Poonia, the former Rajasthan BJP state president, who steps out while occupied with his phone. Dabi is seen waiting nearby, greeting Poonia repeatedly with a quick succession of bows. Seemingly focused on his phone initially, Poonia finally acknowledges her with warm praise, commenting, “Tina Dabi accha kaam kar rahi hai, safai karwa rahi hai, dustbin lagwa rahi hai” (“Tina Dabi is doing good work, overseeing cleanliness and dustbin installations”).
"दादागिरी करके सफाई करवा रहे हो, बाड़मेर भी इंदौर जैसा हो जाएगा। आप अच्छा काम कर रही हो।"#tinadabi @DrSatishPoonia pic.twitter.com/DDc16wrtcf
— Mukesh Mathur (@mukesh1275) October 24, 2024
Adding a touch of humour, Poonia jokingly remarks, “Dadaigiri kar rahe ho” (“You are bullying”) before acknowledging the young IAS officer’s efforts to uplift Barmer, comparing it to the clean and orderly city of Indore. “You are doing a good job,” he adds, leaving Dabi to continue her greetings with folded hands.
Dabi, who became a national sensation in 2015 after topping the Civil Services Examination (considered one of the toughest competitive examinations in the world) at the age of 22, is celebrated for her administrative initiatives, especially her early pandemic response and local cleanliness drives. Known for her advocacy of social justice and transparency, Dabi has consistently demonstrated a commitment to public service, frequently engaging with her local community on development matters.
Her newest initiative, “Navo Barmer,” aims to modernise Barmer by employing new-age technology for urban cleanliness projects. Though her administration of this programme has been well-received, this viral video has drawn attention to the often scrutinised dynamics between IAS officers and political figures.
In addition to her professional achievements, Tina Dabi’s personal life has also attracted public interest, especially her marriage to fellow IAS officer Athar Aamir Khan in 2018, followed by their separation in 2020. Recently, she married IAS officer Pradeep Gawande, a decision widely discussed due to Dabi’s popularity and her openness regarding personal matters.
The recent video has divided public opinion online, with some defending her respectful demeanour as a sign of professional decorum, while others argue it overstepped into undue submission.
“Then Tina Dabi ji bowed her head 5 times in just 10 seconds but the greeting was not accepted because Tina Dabi is a Dalit! No matter how much you study, you will have to bow before illiterates?,” asked an X user.
