Teacher suspended in Madhya Pradesh for satirical video on Modi, LPG prices
Bhopal: Reflecting the shrinking space for dissent in Modi’s India, a government school teacher in Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh has been suspended for posting a short video mimicking the Indian PM and criticizing the rising cost of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).
According to Kashmir Media Service, the teacher, Saket Purohit, faced disciplinary action following a complaint by BJP MLA Pritam Lodhi, who accused him of provoking unrest. The district education officer subsequently suspended Purohit for “gross indiscipline” and violation of civil service conduct rules.
Purohit said he was not given an opportunity to present his defence, fuelling concerns over curbs on freedom of expression, particularly for public sector employees in India.
The suspension of the teacher comes amid growing public frustration over increasing household fuel costs in India, with domestic LPG cylinder prices having recently risen by about Rs 60. Debate over inflation and energy costs has increasingly moved onto social media, where users often circulate satirical videos and criticism of government policy.
Observers note that this incident reflects a shrinking tolerance for political dissent within India’s public institutions, particularly in BJP-ruled states, where service rules are often invoked to restrict expression deemed critical of the government.
