IAS Tina Dabi / MP Priyanka Chaturvedi Trolled for 'Reel Star' Comment on IAS Tina Dabi, Issues Clarification

Member of Parliament Priyanka Chaturvedi recently found herself at the center of a social media storm after she commented on a case involving IAS officer Tina Dabi, while the incident, which took place in Barmer, Rajasthan, involved college students who alleged they were detained for referring to District Collector Tina Dabi as a 'reel star. ' Reacting to this news, the Shiv Sena (UBT) MP questioned the intolerance within the Indian bureaucracy, which led to her being extensively trolled. Subsequently, she issued a clarification, stating that her comments were aimed at the working style of. Bureaucrats and their inability to tolerate criticism, rather than being directed at any specific caste or community.

Students' Allegations and Tina Dabi's Denial

Priyanka Chaturvedi's initial post on X (formerly Twitter) referenced the Barmer incident where students were reportedly detained for calling Tina Dabi a 'reel star. ' She characterized the event as 'another day of bureaucracy being intolerant in India. ' In her post, she further elaborated, stating that 'Officers continue to escape scrutiny despite their corruption, power trips and now intolerance. ' This comment quickly gained traction, sparking a significant debate on social media, with many users criticizing her statement and initiating a wave of trolling against her. The post became a focal point for discussions on bureaucratic accountability and public perception. The entire controversy originated outside the Maharana Bhupal College (MBC) Girls College in Barmer, Rajasthan.

Students were protesting against an increase in examination fees and sought to meet District Collector Tina Dabi to raise their concerns, while according to the students, the situation escalated when an official stated that Tina Dabi was a 'role model' for them. A student reportedly disagreed with this assertion and referred to Tina Dabi as a 'reel model. ' Following this exchange, the students claimed they were subsequently detained. However, the prominent Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Tina Dabi has vehemently denied these allegations, asserting that no students were detained for their comments.

The Trolling Backlash and Accusations of Caste Hatred

Following Priyanka Chaturvedi's post, she faced severe backlash and extensive trolling on social media. Numerous users interpreted her statement as an expression of caste-based hatred towards Tina Dabi, while these accusations further intensified the controversy, as Priyanka Chaturvedi was accused of holding prejudice against a specific community. The debate rapidly spread across social media platforms, with people questioning her intentions and accusing her of misrepresenting the situation. Such widespread trolling compelled her to issue a clarification, aiming to dispel misunderstandings and articulate her true intent behind the initial remarks.

Priyanka Chaturvedi's Clarification

Responding to the trolling, Priyanka Chaturvedi posted another message on X, refuting the allegations leveled against her. She clarified that when she spoke about the 'arrogance of bureaucrats,' it was concerning 'their working style and their habit of not being able to tolerate criticism,' and not about 'the caste or community they come from. ' She further expressed her dismay, stating that it was 'shameful that this particular bureaucrat's fan club is linking it to caste identity to troll me, while ' She advised her critics to 'do better,' asserting that 'their intolerance on X is proving my tweet right. ' This clarification was an attempt to highlight the genuine purpose. Behind her statement and to address the accusations of caste-based hatred.

Broader Implications: Bureaucracy and Public Scrutiny

This incident sparks a broader debate on the sensitivity of bureaucracy to public criticism and the reactions of public figures in the age of social media. Priyanka Chaturvedi's comments, though intended to question bureaucratic functioning, were perceived by many as a personal attack, especially when linked to caste identity. This illustrates how remarks made in public forums can be interpreted in various ways and lead to unforeseen reactions. The controversy also highlights how 'fan clubs' or support groups on social media can further complicate any debate, shifting the focus from the original issue to personal attacks or identity-based disputes, while the entire episode underscores the importance of criticism, tolerance, and accountability in public life, particularly in an era where digital platforms amplify every statement and reaction.

When I pointed out the arrogance of bureaucrats it was to do with their work culture & their inability to take on criticism, not the caste or community they come from! Shameful that this particular bureaucrat’s fan club is reducing it to caste identity to troll me.
Do better,… https://t.co/RrDxlfAjGO

— Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) December 24, 2025