In recent days, the corridors of power in Lucknow have been abuzz with discussions about Bulandshahr’s District Magistrate, Shruti Singh. The IAS officer reportedly apologized to senior SP leader Shivpal Yadav following a ‘dispute’ that arose when repeated phone calls from Yadav went unanswered. According to reports by UP Tak, the issue began with a grievance raised by one of Yadav’s party workers, which Yadav himself attempted to escalate directly with the district administration.
When Singh did not connect with him personally, despite calls being taken by her office and PRO, Yadav lodged a complaint with Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana. The Speaker subsequently issued a “show cause” notice to Singh, sparking a wave of attention across both bureaucratic and political circles.
A Public Apology and Its Implications
As the matter escalated, Singh reportedly submitted her explanation, stating she had not received the correct information from her PRO. However, the political weight of the incident meant the explanation was insufficient on its own. In an unusual step for a senior district officer, Singh allegedly tendered an apology to Yadav.
Reports suggest that Yadav, while initially angered, later accepted both Singh’s explanation and apology, requesting no further action against her. Nonetheless, the case has fueled debates over the vulnerability of administrative officers when political complaints are taken up at the level of legislative privilege.
Bureaucracy Versus Politics in Uttar Pradesh
The episode has reignited the larger question of accountability and autonomy for government officers in Uttar Pradesh. Critics note that bureaucrats often find themselves caught between following administrative protocols and navigating the political sensitivities of elected representatives.
Instances where legislators demand immediate redressal of grievances are not uncommon. But the Bulandshahr controversy, involving a high-profile leader like Shivpal Yadav, has highlighted the pressures district officials face when political grievances are escalated beyond local boundaries and into the Assembly’s oversight mechanisms.
The Career of Shruti Singh
Shruti Singh, originally from Punjab, is widely recognized as a competent officer in Uttar Pradesh’s administrative cadre. A graduate from Delhi University’s St. Stephen’s College, she secured the 16th rank in the UPSC examination in her very first attempt in 2011.
Over her career, she has served in multiple roles including Director of the National Health Mission in Lucknow, Additional CEO of Noida Authority, and as DM in Balrampur and Fatehpur. She was appointed as Bulandshahr’s District Magistrate in January 2025, becoming the district’s ninth woman to hold the post.
Her tenure has often been noted for her emphasis on technology-driven governance and efficiency in administrative decisions. Yet, as the latest controversy shows, even well-regarded officers can find themselves drawn into the complicated terrain of politics and accountability in Uttar Pradesh.
