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Journalism of Courage
A recent remark by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav during an event has stirred debate on social media, with netizens split over whether it was light-hearted banter or an inappropriate stereotype.
CM Yadav attended a ceremony at the Kushabhau Thakre International Convention Centre in Bhopal, where he distributed 7,832 scooters to meritorious Class 12 students from across the state. The event aimed to reward academic excellence. Many students expressed their excitement and gratitude for the gesture.
During the event, Yadav interacted with several students on stage. One particular exchange, now widely circulated, caught public attention. While speaking with a topper named Pratibha Raikwad, Yadav asked her a series of questions about her school and driving experience.
“What’s the name of this young lady?” he asked. She responded, “Pratibha Raikwad.” He followed up with, “Which school do you go to?” She replied, “Sir, Mahatma Gandhi.” Then came the remark that sparked a flurry of reactions, “Kabhi gadi chalai hai pehle?….Kitno ko thoka?” (Have you ever driven a vehicle before?How many have you hit?)
Watch the viral video here:
The comment, seemingly made in jest, has led to divided responses on social media. “Does it not reinforce the stereotype!?” a user argued. “As if he’s paying out of his own pocket. It’s all taxpayers’ money. So keep calm,” another user commented.
“It’s a casual conversation.. But yes, minister has to be careful in speech,” a third user reacted. “You guys cannot take just a joke even he us saying beta, Indian audience,” a fourth user said.
Along with distributing scooters, CM Yadav also plans to transfer Rs 61 crore through DBT to the bank accounts of 20,37,439 girls from Class 7 to 12 under the Sanitation and Hygiene Scheme of Samagra Shiksha, the ET Education report stated.
