Abhishek Singh Under Fire Over Disability Claim Amid Puja Khedkar Controversy
Abhishek Singh Under Fire Over Disability Claim Amid Puja Khedkar Controversy
Controversy Erupts Over Disability Claims: Former IAS Officer Abhishek Singh and Trainee Puja Khedkar Under Scrutiny
Former IAS officer Abhishek Singh, who resigned last year to pursue a career in acting, is facing scrutiny. Recently, his dance and gym videos went viral on social media. This controversy follows allegations against trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar, who allegedly submitted fake disability certificates to secure her position. Singh, a 2011 batch IAS officer, claimed a locomotor disability to avail concessions in the UPSC selection process.
वैसे तो मुझे किसी आलोचना से कोई फ़र्क़ नहीं पड़ता, पर ये मेरे जीवन काल में पहली बार है जब मैं अपने आलोचकों को जवाब दे रहा हूँ। और वो इसलिए क्योंकि मेरे हज़ारो समर्थक मुझसे कह रहे हैं कि आप जवाब दें नहीं तो हमारा मनोबल टूट जाएगा।अतः ये मेरा नैतिक कर्तव्य है कि मैं सच्चाई सामने… pic.twitter.com/e1rwB3H02R
— Abhishek Singh (@Abhishek_asitis) July 13, 2024
Several social media users have criticized Singh. People have demanded greater transparency and accountability in the bureaucratic selection process. Responding to the backlash, Singh stated, “Although I am not affected by any criticism, this is the first time I am answering my critics because my supporters asked me to. Since I started supporting reservations, anti-reservationists have targeted me. They question my caste and my job. Let me tell you, I have achieved everything through hard work and courage, not through reservation,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Singh emphasized his commitment to social work through initiatives like United by Blood and the No-Shame Movement, asserting that he has not received government assistance. He added, “I believe that reservation in government jobs should be according to the population, and I will work towards that. If you think you have talent, stop trying for government jobs and excel in business, sports, or acting. There is no reservation there.”
Meanwhile, Puja Khedkar is facing controversy for allegedly using a siren on her private Audi and demanding privileges not available to junior officers.
More seriously, Khedkar faces accusations of falsely claiming visual and mental impairments in an affidavit to the UPSC and refusing mandatory medical tests. The Centre has formed a one-member committee to investigate the allegations against her. Sources indicated that Khedkar could be dismissed and potentially face criminal action if found guilty of misrepresentation.
