MLA chases officer’s car live on Facebook, sparks row in Sirsa

Congress-backed MLA Gokul Setia triggered controversy on Tuesday after going live on Facebook while allegedly chasing the car of Zila Parishad CEO Dr Subhash Chandra, accusing the officer of avoiding his responsibilities.

In the viral video, Setia is seen inside his vehicle pointing at another car he claims belongs to the CEO.

“I asked him to stay at his office, but he ran away. How far can he run? I’m right behind him,” the MLA says during the livestream, also seen signalling for the vehicle ahead to stop. The driver, however, did not comply.

The incident followed Setia’s visits to several villages where he raised concerns about poor infrastructure. According to him, he had asked the CEO to personally inspect the sites. When the officer cited prior commitments and declined, Setia reached his office only to find him leaving — leading to the chase.

Later, the MLA filed a formal complaint with the Additional Deputy Commissioner, slamming what he called bureaucratic arrogance.

“Officers are increasingly ignoring elected representatives. When a government officer says, ‘We are not your servants,’ it reflects the growing disconnect,” Setia told reporters.

Responding to the allegations, Dr Subhash Chandra said the MLA had spoken rudely over the phone and demanded his presence at the spot. He clarified that he was busy with preparations for the August 24 marathon in Dabwali, which will be attended by the Chief Minister. In his absence, he said, SDOs and BDPOs had already been deputed to visit the site.

Chandra alleged that while he was en route to Dabwali, Setia followed him in a black SUV accompanied by another vehicle.

“Had the MLA called me again, I would have stopped. But chasing a government vehicle on the road is dangerous. What if there had been an accident? Who would take responsibility?” he said.

He further said Sirsa district has five MLAs and one MP, but only Setia has engaged in such behaviour. A report on the matter has been sent to senior officials and the Deputy Commissioner. On corruption allegations, Chandra said, “I am open to investigation, but this is not the way an elected representative should act.”