Tension in Tina Dabi’s District: MP and MLA Lash Out at Officials Over “Tea–Samosa Meetings

A high-level DISHA meeting in Rajasthan’s Barmer district has triggered a political storm after a video went viral showing IAS Tina Dabi, MP Ummedaram Beniwal, and Shiv MLA Ravindra Singh Bhati reprimanding district officials for their alleged negligence and unpreparedness.

“Is This Meeting Called Just to Eat Tea and Samosa?”

During the meeting, MLA Ravindra Singh Bhati sharply criticised officials who failed to answer basic queries on public issues. Visibly angry, Bhati asked:

“Does this meeting have any meaning at all? Are MPs and MLAs called here only to eat tea and samosas?”

His remarks left several officers embarrassed, including District Collector Tina Dabi, who was present on the dais.

MP Beniwal Also Slammed Officials

Earlier in the same meeting, Barmer–Jaisalmer MP Ummedaram Beniwal had expressed deep frustration after the mining department failed to provide satisfactory responses regarding illegal mining activities.

Beniwal said:

“If no one has any information, then what is the point of calling this meeting? Just eat tea and samosas and go back?”

Collector Tina Dabi was seen nodding in agreement as Beniwal criticised the officials’ lack of preparedness.

Viral Video Sparks Public Debate

The video of the confrontation has been circulating rapidly on social media, with many questioning administrative discipline in Barmer. The fact that both the MP and MLA raised similar concerns in the presence of an experienced officer like Tina Dabi has intensified the debate.

Questions Raised Over Administration in Dabi’s District

Despite Dabi’s reputation as one of Rajasthan’s most proactive IAS officers, the incident has raised tough questions:

• Are district officials functioning without accountability?
• Why is the administration unable to provide basic information during official reviews?
• Is the Collector’s supervision not being taken seriously by the departments?

The controversy deepened when the mining officer categorically denied any illegal mining in his jurisdiction—even as the MP claimed he had received repeated complaints. To make matters worse, PWD officials too denied knowledge of a road leading directly to a suspected illegal mining site.

Dabi Seeks Clarifications from Departments

Following the heated exchanges, Collector Tina Dabi reportedly sought detailed explanations from the mining and PWD departments. However, the officers’ evasive responses have only added to the growing perception of administrative lapses within the district.

The episode has now turned into a major talking point across the state, with critics questioning why such mismanagement is occurring in one of Rajasthan’s most closely watched districts.