A video showing newly appointed Hassan Deputy Commissioner Latha Kumari touching the feet of Union Minister V. Somanna during his visit to Kodimath has gone viral, triggering widespread political debate and raising questions about administrative neutrality.
Hassan/Bengaluru: In an incident that has quickly become the center of a political storm in Karnataka, Deputy Commissioner of Hassan district, Latha Kumari, was seen bowing down and touching the feet of Union Minister and senior BJP leader V. Somanna during his temple visit to Kodimath. The act, seen by many as a breach of bureaucratic impartiality, has led to sharp criticism and debate across political and public forums.
According to reports, the DC greeted the minister with folded hands and proceeded to touch his feet, expressing her admiration by stating, “Sir, I’m very happy to see you. You’re very important to us.” The minister, reportedly surprised, responded, “You are doing good work. But don’t fall at anyone’s feet. Let your work speak for itself.”
The gesture has raised eyebrows, especially as DCs are expected to maintain political neutrality and uphold the dignity of administrative roles. Critics argue that such actions erode public trust and blur the line between governance and political allegiance.
The incident has led to discussions not just about propriety, but about the expectations from IAS officers, particularly when dealing with elected representatives. The act has also drawn mixed reactions from the public — while some defended it as a gesture of gratitude, others condemned it as “unbecoming of a district head.”
