Uttarakhand Ex-CM Trivendra Rawat Sparks Row With 'Lion Don't Hunt Dogs' Remark On Dalit IAS Officer

As the controversy escalated, the Uttarakhand IAS Association convened an urgent meeting and passed a resolution asserting that IAS officers, like all citizens, are entitled to dignity and respect.

Uttarakhand former CM Trivendra Singh Rawat's 'lion don't hunt dogs' against Dalit IAS officer Brajesh Sant has sparked a controversy.

Source : X@tsrawatbjp

Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat stoked a row after his controversial remarks against Brajesh Sant, a Dalit IAS officer and the state's Secretary of Mining. The remark has escalated the ongoing controversy over illegal mining in the state, with the Uttarakhand IAS Association formally registering its protest and passing a resolution to condemn the statement, which has been widely criticised as casteist.

The issue started when Rawat, while speaking in Parliament on Friday, alleged that illegal mining was rampant across Uttarakhand. Brajesh Sant responded to this by refuting the claims, calling them misleading, false, and baseless. Sant said that the biggest proof of this is the highest-ever increase in mining revenue in the current financial year after the formation of Uttarakhand, news agency PTI reported.

The next day, when Rawat was asked about Sant's rebuttal, he stated in Delhi: "What to say? Lions do not hunt dogs." Since then, the remark has drawn massive backlash, with many interpreting it to be a caste-based insult.

A protest rally was organised against the BJP leader's statement in Haridwar's Jaatwada area.

Meanwhile, BJP state president Mahendra Bhatt, downplaying Rawat's allegations, stressed that the transparent policies of the party had significantly increased revenue from legal mining operations. However, opposition leader Yashpal Arya accused the government of protecting large-scale illegal mining activities.

Former CM Harish Rawat also addressed the matter and provided a mixed response. He supported Trivendra Rawat's stance on illegal mining and slammed both the central and state governments for their inaction. However, he criticised the former chief minister's remark against Sant.

"It is very strange that neither the central government nor the state government is acting against illegal mining. The mining mafia has dug up rivers and tributaries for sand mining," he said, adding that public officials should be treated with respect.

Leader of Opposition Yashpal Arya, speaking in Udham Singh Nagar, backed Trivendra Rawat's efforts of raising the issue of illegal mining in Parliament. He alleged that large-scale mining operations remain unchecked along the Ganga and other rivers, with heavy machinery frequently used in violation of regulations.

Arya further alleged that these activities continue even at night which causes accidents, and that collusion between government officials and the mining mafia has strengthened illegal operations. He asserted that Congress has long been calling out the corruption in mining in Uttarakhand.

Uttarakhand IAS Association Reacts To Rawat's Remark

As the controversy escalated, the Uttarakhand IAS Association convened an urgent meeting on March 30, 2025, led by its president Anand Bardhan.

During the meeting, the association passed a resolution asserting that IAS officers, like all citizens, are entitled to dignity and respect. It urged political leaders and organisations to avoid remarks that undermine the self-respect of civil servants, saying that such statements impact morale and efficieny, PTI reported.

The association stressed on its commitment to implement government policies effectively and welcomed constructive criticism. However, it emphasised that concerns about policy implementation should be addressed through proper administrative channels. The resolution has been submitted to the Chief Minister and Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand and shared with the media.

The Uttarakhand High Court has also mandated strict action against illegal mining. However, reports indicate that such activities continue unchecked in Bageshwar and other regions, fueling concerns over administrative inaction.