The ongoing controversy over promotions to the posts of department heads in polytechnic institutions has escalated into a direct confrontation between Uttar Pradesh’s Minister of Technical Education Ashish Patel and Samajwadi Party (SP) rebel MLA Dr. Pallavi Patel, who happens to be Jija and Saali.
Responding sharply to Ashish Patel’s recent statements, Pallavi accused him of betraying the Patel community, likening him to the historical figure Jai Chand. She declared that Rajbahadur Patel, the former Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the minister, is the true descendant of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for courageously exposing alleged corruption despite facing harassment.
Pallavi asserted that Rajbahadur Patel has been consistently targeted by the minister for raising concerns about irregularities in promotions. After being removed from his OSD post, Rajbahadur was transferred to the Directorate of Technical Education and later shifted to Rampur. Recently, he was issued a show-cause notice and transferred again on January 1, which Pallavi labeled as retaliation for his whistleblowing. Addressing the media, Pallavi alleged that the minister is persecuting Rajbahadur for revealing corruption in the department.
She warned that if the harassment does not stop, the Kurmi community, under her leadership, would take to the streets in protest. Pallavi further claimed that threats have been issued to Rajbahadur’s family, and accused the government of suppressing dissent. She challenged the administration, stating that any oppression of backward communities would lead to severe consequences for the government.
In response, Minister Ashish Patel took to social media attacking Pallavi without directly naming her. He alleged that a “sponsored conspiracy” was being orchestrated against him, driven by individuals working under ulterior motives.
Referring to Rajbahadur, the minister claimed that his former OSD had been colluding with conspirators aiming to defeat NDA candidate Anupriya Patel in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. He warned his critics not to provoke him into crossing the limits of decency, as the consequences could be far-reaching.
Meanwhile, Rajbahadur Patel, speaking to journalists, provided a detailed account of the alleged irregularities in the promotion process. He stated that during his tenure as OSD, he had informed the minister about financial improprieties both orally and in writing. However, instead of addressing the issue, he faced harassment, forcing him to resign.
Rajbahadur alleged that officials in the department, under undue pressure from the minister, violated rules to advance the promotion process.
He warned that if the promotions were not annulled and direct recruitment initiated for the posts, he would approach the court for justice.
