Dehradun: A late-night social media appeal by Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has triggered a debate online after the Chief Minister responded positively to the wicketkeeper-batter’s request for help in finding land in the state.
Pant, who wants to shift his base from Delhi to Uttarakhand, had directly approached Dhami on social media, saying he had been trying to find a suitable property in his home state for nearly three years.
Dhami responded by calling Pant the “pride of Uttarakhand” and said officials concerned would get in touch with him.
Pant seeks help to settle in Uttarakhand
Pant’s message was posted around 12:46 am on Saturday. In it, he spoke about his desire to return to his native Uttarakhand and contribute to the state.
The cricketer said he had been looking for a sufficiently large property where he could establish his base but had faced difficulties in finding suitable land.
Pant also referred to his association with Uttarakhand and his efforts to promote the state, expressing his wish to eventually return and work for the benefit of people in his home region.
In another part of his message, Pant suggested that receiving land as a gift would be welcome. At the same time, he indicated that he was prepared to purchase property from the government at applicable government rates.
Dhami promises assistance within rules
Responding to Pant, Chief Minister Dhami praised the cricketer for bringing recognition to Uttarakhand through his performances.
The Chief Minister said Pant’s desire to return to his roots and contribute to the state was commendable. He further stated that instructions had been issued to the relevant officials to contact Pant and extend whatever assistance was possible in accordance with government rules.
The response, however, stopped short of announcing any allotment of land or promising Pant a free property.
Social media users question VIP treatment
While Pant’s supporters welcomed the exchange, the Chief Minister’s response also attracted criticism from sections of social media.
Some users questioned whether a prominent and financially successful sportsperson should receive special consideration from the government for a land-related request.
One recurring argument was that ordinary residents, including taxpayers and people belonging to Uttarakhand, often struggle to navigate government procedures for land and property. Some users therefore questioned whether similar assistance would be available to a common citizen.
Others responded more humorously, asking the Chief Minister to arrange land for them as well, while pointing out that they too were residents of Uttarakhand despite not having the profile of an international cricketer.
Supporters say Pant wants to return home
The reaction was not entirely critical. Several social media users supported Pant’s desire to move back to Uttarakhand and appreciated his stated intention to contribute to his home state.
For his supporters, the request was primarily about finding a permanent base in the state rather than seeking preferential treatment.
The controversy has largely centred on the perception of a “free gift”, although Dhami’s response did not commit the government to giving Pant land without payment.
What happens next?
For now, the Uttarakhand government has not announced whether Pant will receive land, where such property could be located or under which specific provisions his request might be considered.
The Chief Minister’s statement makes clear that the matter will be examined by officials under existing rules.
What began with a midnight appeal from one of Uttarakhand’s most prominent sporting figures has therefore turned into a wider conversation about government assistance, VIP access and whether public resources should be treated differently when the applicant is a celebrity.
