Bhojpuri singer served police notice over satirical song taunting UP government
Lucknow: Neha Singh Rathore, a Bhojpuri singer, has been served notice for questioning through her music the Uttar Pradesh state government eviction drive that recently resulted in the death of a mother-daughter duo.
Neha uploaded her satirical song in Bhojpuri ‘UP Mein Ka Ba’ (What’s this in UP?) recently on social media, where she pointed out how Pramila Dixit, 45, and her daughter Neha, 20, who were residents of Kanpur Dehat, died in their hut, which was set on fire allegedly by policemen last week, reports NDTV.
While Neha’s song has received a lot of support from the citizens, the Uttar Pradesh police showed up at the singer’s door Tuesday night, alleging that the song had given rise to social tension.
The Uttar Pradesh Police chief has told the singer in the notice, “The song has created animosity in society. You are legally bound to make your stand clear regarding the matter and, therefore, required to file your reply within three days of receiving this notice.”
Neha has been asked to confirm if it is she who is seen in the video. She has been asked if she wrote the lyrics and if she supported the lines. She has also been asked if she understands the adverse impact it would have on society.
The singer has been warned, “If your reply is not found satisfactory, a case will be registered and appropriate legal action will be taken.”
Neha, who hit a note with the people prior to the polls in Uttar Pradesh last year, when she questioned the Adityanath government about various issues, has also released satirical verses on other senior politicians like Nitish Kumar and Lalu Prasad Yadav in Bihar.
The issuance of a notice to Neha has been condemned by former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia.
"When the popular singer @nehafolksinger asked fearless questions, the BJP government sent a notice to her house through the hands of the police... Is BJP so scared of the voice of a folk singer? Embarrassing. This is very shameful," Sisodia posted.
यू पी में का बा..!
— Neha Singh Rathore (@nehafolksinger) February 16, 2023
Season 2#nehasinghrathore #kanpur #KANPUR_DEHAT #up #UPCM #Government #democracy #death pic.twitter.com/Onhv0Lhw12
'यू पी में का बा!' पर पुलिस का नोटिस..!#Nehasinghrathore #up @Uppolice @myogiadityanath @myogioffice #democracy pic.twitter.com/szZUsqvRCu
— Neha Singh Rathore (@nehafolksinger) February 21, 2023
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Oppn, X users flag concerns over US envoy Sergio Gor’s visit to Army’s western command
New Delhi: A visit by the US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, to Chandigarh on Monday has triggered sharp criticism from opposition leaders and social media users, raising questions about national security and foreign policy.
On X, Ambassador Gor announced his visit, writing, “Just landed in Chandigarh. Looking forward to visiting the Western Command of the Indian Army.”
Just landed in Chandigarh. Looking forward to visiting the Western Command of the Indian Army
— Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) February 16, 2026
Soon after, opposition voices questioned the broader implications of the visit. Congress Kerala, in a post, commented, “Why so much panic? We’ve already seen Pakistan's ISI getting access to Pathankot Airbase with this government's blessings. Didn't they say then ‘Modi ne kiya ho to kuch soch samajh kar kiya hoga?’ Compared to that, this is very small.”
Why so much panic? We’ve already seen Pakistan's ISI getting access to Pathankot Airbase with this government's blessings.
— Congress Kerala (@INCKerala) February 16, 2026
Didn't they say then "Modi ne kiya ho to kuch soch samajh kar kiya hoga?"
Compared to that, this is very small. pic.twitter.com/gNNuAGQBPC
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi also weighed in, writing, “Since India’s national strategic interests are now tied to what US wants India to do, this visit seems to sync with that.”
She further added, “India’s history will remember the de-escalation announcement between India and Pak was announced on social media by the US President before Indians got to know from their own government. US Ambassador is doing the job for his nation, who is doing for us? The answer is blowing in the wind.”
Since India’s national strategic interests are now tied to what US wants India to do, this visit seems to sync with that. India’s history will remember the de-escalation announcement between India and Pak was announced on social media by the US President before Indians got to… pic.twitter.com/rYMq5NhJHA
— Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) February 16, 2026
The visit comes against the backdrop of the growing US-India defence partnership.
Writer and political analyst @rajuparulekar commented on ‘X’, “East India Company is back!”
“Is it allowed for an ambassador to visit any army unit in india?” asked another user.
Several X users expressed concerns over the appropriateness of the visit.
One asked, “Is it allowed for an ambassador to visit any army unit in India?” Another wrote, “Why an ambassador visiting our army places? To talk to Chandigarh lobby for F-35?”
Why an ambassador visiting our army places ? To talk to chandigarh lobby for f-35 ??
— Rohan Sagar (@RohanSagar03) February 16, 2026
“We have completely sold Indian sovereignty. Rothschild the evil Bankers will now control NSE. Modi sold Bharat Mata to Trump . And now American imperialist is visiting our army command . Scary,” wrote another user.
“The Indian Army isn’t part of geopolitics, so why is he interested in visiting there?,” opined another.
The Indian Army isn’t part of geopolitics, so why is he interested in visiting there?
— Aditya Pratap Singh (@Adi_IIMCIAN) February 16, 2026
On Sunday, Gor welcomed Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), highlighting efforts to expand the growing US-India defence partnership.
In a post on X, Gor wrote, “Delighted to have @INDOPACOM Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo in India to expand the U.S.-India defense partnership. Now is the time to strengthen vital cooperation between our two nations.”
On Monday, Admiral Samuel J. Paparo Jr visited the headquarters of India’s Western Army Command along with the American envoy Sergio Gor. The delegation was briefed on the formation’s capabilities, its past operations, and future plans.
The American delegation also visited Bengaluru, where they met three start-ups, two in the space sector and one in defence, and participated in an Indo-US conference.
