A video featuring Congress MLA from Magadi, H.C. Balakrishna, delivering a stern warning to a local revenue official has taken social media by storm. The incident, captured during a public grievance redressal event in Bengaluru, shows the legislator using strong words to highlight administrative apathy.
MLA's Fiery Warning to Officials
In the now-viral clip, MLA HC Balakrishna is heard directly addressing tahsildar DP Sharath Kumar. He issued a stark warning, stating that if officials continue to neglect public issues, he would not stop citizens from expressing their frustration in a very direct manner. "I do not mind if this is posted on social media. People will hit (you) with slippers — if not you, then me," Balakrishna asserted. He explained that the public could target him for not ensuring officials work, or target the officials themselves for their failure.
Defending his harsh tone, the MLA questioned what alternative was left when polite requests fail. "People say I speak disrespectfully, but what else can be done? A kiss?" he remarked, underscoring his frustration with the lack of action on public grievances.
Chiding for Harassing the Public
Balakrishna then turned his focus to the tahsildar's conduct, expressing dismay that a young officer was not working diligently. He appealed to the official's conscience, asking if he felt no shame for harassing common people. "Aren't you ashamed of harassing the public? If something happened to your own family, would you remain silent?" the MLA challenged, drawing a parallel to emphasize empathy and duty.
Contrasting with Respected Officers
To drive his point home, the Magadi MLA cited examples of widely admired civil servants. He reminded the official that dedicated service earns public love and can even lead to political office. "There have been tahsildars who later became MLAs because people appreciated their service," he noted.
Balakrishna gave a poignant example, recalling the public mourning for a former Kolar deputy commissioner. "When the Kolar deputy commissioner passed away, people wept. Do you know why? Will anyone cry for you? No — they will say good riddance and celebrate your exit," he stated bluntly. This comparison was meant to highlight the stark difference in legacy between an apathetic officer and a committed one.
The video has sparked widespread discussion on the pressures faced by ground-level officials, but also on the recurring issue of public grievances being ignored, forcing elected representatives to take such drastic measures to get the administration's attention.
