Teacher suspended in Madhya Pradesh for posting video mocking Modi over LPG crisis
New Delhi: A government school teacher in India’s Madhya Pradesh has been suspended after posting a video on social media criticising rising LPG prices and mimicking Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the teacher, identified as Saket Purohit, was serving in Shivpuri district, a rural area located around 300 kilometres from New Delhi. He was suspended after sharing a 58-second video commenting on the increase in domestic gas prices.
The action was reportedly taken following a complaint by BJP lawmaker Pritam Lodhi, who accused the teacher of attempting to provoke unrest. Subsequently, the district education officer ordered his suspension on charges of “gross indiscipline” and violation of civil service conduct rules.
Reports said the teacher was not given an opportunity to respond before the disciplinary action, triggering debate over freedom of expression and the space for dissent, particularly among public sector employees.
Observers have expressed concern over what they describe as growing restrictions on criticism within public institutions, especially in regions governed by the BJP. They noted that strict service rules are often invoked against employees for speech deemed political or disruptive.
The incident comes amid rising public concern over increasing fuel costs in India, with domestic LPG cylinder prices witnessing a recent hike. Analysts link the price fluctuations to global energy market dynamics, including instability in West Asia.
