Grab IAS, IPS officers by the collar: Chhattisgarh minister’s tip for making it big as a politician

In the video, which surfaced on Monday, Chhattisgarh minister Kawasi Lakhma is seen sitting next to schoolchildren as he talks to someone out of the frame. He is heard saying he was once asked by a child how had he become a big leader.

Updated on: Jun 27, 2020, 21:28:03 IST

Hindustan Times, Raipur | By Ritesh Mishra

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Chhattisgarh minister Kawasi Lakhma had a unique response to a child’s question on how to become a big politician.

Chhattisgarh minister Kawasi Lakhma (Video screen grab)

In the video, which surfaced on Monday, the state excise minister is seen sitting next to schoolchildren as he talks to someone out of the frame. He is heard saying he was once asked by a child how had he become a big leader.

Watch | ‘Grab IAS, IPS by collar’: Chhattisgarh minister on how to become a big politician

“Bada neta banna ho to collector, SP ka collar pakdo (If you want to become a big politician, grab the collars of the collector and the SP),” Lakhma said was his reply to the child.

As the minister narrated the episode, students and others sitting with him laughed with him.

The video is said to be have been shot on Teacher’s Day in a school in Pawnaar of Sukma district.

The minister, who represents Konta in the state assembly, later said his “words were twisted”.

“I meant to say that you have to fight the battle of people to become a big leader. My intention was not to hurt anyone ... Some journalists are twisting my statement,” Lakhma said while speaking to HT.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ritesh Mishra
Ritesh Mishra is the State Correspondent for Chhattisgarh with Hindustan Times. He reports on Maoism, internal security, politics, mining, governance, and major developments shaping the state. Based in Raipur, he has covered Chhattisgarh since 2016, reporting extensively from the Bastar region and other conflict-affected areas. With nearly two decades of experience in journalism, Ritesh has built a reputation for ground reporting from some of India's most challenging terrains. His coverage spans Left-Wing Extremism, counter-insurgency operations, elections, tribal affairs, environmental issues, infrastructure, mining, and socio-economic developments. He has reported on major security operations, policy initiatives, wildlife crime, and the changing dynamics of conflict and development in Central India. Before moving to Chhattisgarh, Ritesh spent eight years reporting from Madhya Pradesh, covering politics, administration, crime, development, and social issues. Throughout his career, he has reported on various forms of extremism in Central India, combining field reporting with in-depth analysis to produce accurate, balanced, and impactful journalism. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Ritesh worked with The Pioneer and The Free Press Journal, where he covered a wide range of beats and honed his skills in political, investigative, and field reporting. His reporting is marked by exclusive stories, extensive fieldwork, and a commitment to factual, on-the-ground journalism that brings complex issues to a wider audience.Read More

Chhattisgarh

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.