Rishabh Pant asked, and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami responded—perhaps faster than the India wicketkeeper-batter expected. But the exchange has now sparked a social media storm, with many netizens questioning why a celebrity's request gets such quick official attention.
Pant's unusual 12:46 am plea for help in finding land in Uttarakhand received a positive response from Dhami, who assured the cricketer that officials would contact him and provide all possible assistance in accordance with the rules.
CM Dhami's Response to Rishabh Pant's Land Request
According to The Tribune, Dhami responded publicly on social media, addressing Pant directly. "Dear Rishabh, you are the pride of Uttarakhand," the Chief Minister wrote, praising the cricketer for his achievements and his desire to contribute to his home state.
Dhami's post continued: "You have brightened the name of Devbhoomi across the country and the world with your excellent game and achievements. Your love for your motherland and your desire to return and contribute here is highly commendable." The CM added that he had directed relevant officials regarding the matter raised by Pant.
Netizens React: 'Pant Ko Free Gift, Humein Bhi Dila Do'
The swift and warm response did not sit well with many social media users. As reported by The Tribune on X, the reaction was captured in the headline itself: "Pant ko free gift, humein bhi dila do" — a sarcastic jab translating roughly to "Get us a free gift too, like Pant."
The comment reflects a growing frustration among ordinary citizens who feel that government responsiveness is often reserved for the rich and famous. Many pointed out that common people struggle for months or years to get land-related paperwork done, while a celebrity's midnight tweet gets immediate attention from the Chief Minister's office.
"Pant ko free gift, humein bhi dila do" — Netizens reacting to CM Dhami's quick response to Rishabh Pant's land plea, as cited by The Tribune
What Did Rishabh Pant Ask For?
According to Deccan Herald, Pant's request was specifically about land acquisition. The cricketer sought help from the Uttarakhand government in acquiring land in the state, which he considers his home.
Dhami's response assured Pant that officials would reach out to him. The CM's office framed the assistance as being "in accordance with the rules," suggesting that the help offered would follow standard procedures. However, the public perception of special treatment has already taken hold.
Our Take: The Real Issue Behind the Backlash
To put it plainly, the anger here is not really about Rishabh Pant. It is about what his experience represents. When a celebrity tweets at midnight and gets a personal response from a Chief Minister within hours, while ordinary citizens wait in queues for basic administrative help, the contrast is hard to ignore.
The comment "Pant ko free gift, humein bhi dila do" is sarcasm, but it carries a genuine grievance. People are not upset that Pant got help—they are upset that the system seems to move fast only for those with fame and influence. The CM's response was warm and polite, and there is nothing wrong with acknowledging a local hero. But the optics of a midnight plea getting immediate official attention sends a message that many find uncomfortable.
What matters now is whether the assistance offered to Pant follows the same transparent, rule-based process that every citizen should expect. If it does, this episode could serve as a reminder that government responsiveness should not depend on who is asking. If it does not, the backlash will only grow louder.
For now, the cricketer has received his assurance, and the Chief Minister has shown his support. But the conversation this exchange has started—about fairness, access, and who gets heard—is far from over.