The suspension of Kanpur’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Hari Dutt Nemi, has sparked heated debate in Uttar Pradesh. The issue, rooted in a months-long clash with District Magistrate (DM) Jitendra Pratap Singh, has drawn attention from political leaders, media, and locals. Allegations of corruption, administrative failures, and even caste-based discrimination have fueled the controversy, making it a focal point of discussion. Dr. Nemi was suspended on June 19, 2025, and a departmental inquiry is underway. He’s now attached to the state headquarters, with Dr. Udaynath appointed as the new Kanpur CMO. As the situation unfolds, we’re bringing you the latest updates on this bureaucratic and political showdown, exploring the reasons behind the suspension, Dr. Nemi’s response, and the broader impact on Kanpur’s health system. Stay tuned for real-time developments.
Why Was Dr. Nemi Suspended?
The Uttar Pradesh government suspended Dr. Hari Dutt Nemi after a public feud with DM Jitendra Pratap Singh. The conflict began in February 2025 when Singh’s surprise inspection found Nemi absent from his office, alongside other irregularities at health centers. The government cited three main reasons for the suspension: Nemi’s failure to advertise job openings on the National Health Mission’s website, delays in releasing interview results, and improperly delegating financial duties to a non-finance officer. These issues, combined with accusations of insubordination, led to his suspension on June 19, 2025. The Health Department has launched a probe into these administrative lapses, and Nemi is now attached to the state headquarters in Lucknow. The controversy has split opinions, with some seeing it as necessary accountability and others questioning the motives behind the action.
Allegations of Corruption
A key issue in the suspension involves a disputed payment to JM Pharma, a firm allegedly charge-sheeted by the CBI. Dr. Nemi claims he resisted pressure from the DM to clear a ₹1.6 crore payment for substandard medical supplies, citing a 125-page report he prepared. This resistance, he alleges, triggered a conspiracy against him, escalating tensions.
Political Involvement
The feud has taken a political turn, with BJP MLAs divided. Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana and MLAs Arun Pathak and Surendra Maithani supported Nemi, praising his work and urging Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak to keep him in Kanpur. However, MLAs Abhijeet Singh and Mahesh Trivedi demanded his removal, alleging corruption and mismanagement.
Dr. Nemi’s Response to the Suspension
Dr. Nemi has fought back, calling the suspension unfair and vowing to challenge it in court. In a press conference on June 19, 2025, he alleged caste-based discrimination, claiming the DM humiliated him for being a Dalit and used derogatory language during a meeting. Nemi also accused Singh of pressuring him to reverse a corrupt official’s transfer and clear the JM Pharma payment. He sent a letter to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, detailing his grievances. Audio clips allegedly featuring Nemi criticizing the DM have surfaced, which he claims are AI-generated to tarnish his image. His outspoken response has kept the controversy alive, with supporters rallying behind him.
Claims of Discrimination
Dr. Nemi’s allegations of caste-based discrimination have added fuel to the fire. He claims the DM insulted him, saying he “lacked intelligence” and didn’t know how to “earn money,” referencing his Dalit background. These serious accusations have sparked public outrage and calls for a deeper investigation into the DM’s conduct.
Legal Action Planned
Nemi is preparing to take the matter to court, arguing his suspension was unjust. He insists his refusal to comply with improper orders, like the JM Pharma payment, led to his targeting. His legal challenge could prolong the controversy, drawing more scrutiny to Kanpur’s administration.
What’s Happening Now?
As of June 20, 2025, the departmental inquiry into Dr. Nemi’s actions continues, with no clear timeline for resolution. Dr. Udaynath, previously Shravasti’s Additional CMO, has taken over as Kanpur’s CMO, tasked with stabilizing the health department. The DM has defended his actions, calling Nemi’s allegations baseless and a breach of discipline. Meanwhile, social media posts on X reflect divided sentiments—some back Nemi, citing his resistance to corruption, while others support the DM’s push for accountability. The controversy has exposed tensions within the BJP, with some leaders hinting at a larger power struggle between Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak. Locals worry about the impact on Kanpur’s healthcare, as administrative disputes overshadow critical services.
Impact on Kanpur’s Health System
The ongoing feud has raised concerns about Kanpur’s healthcare. With the CMO suspended and a new officer stepping in, there’s uncertainty about service delivery. Locals fear delays in health programs and weakened trust in government hospitals, especially amid existing complaints about poor facilities.
Public and Political Reactions
Public sentiment on X is mixed, with some praising Nemi for standing against corruption and others backing the DM’s strict oversight. Politically, the Samajwadi Party’s Akhilesh Yadav has mocked the situation, suggesting it reflects broader BJP infighting. The controversy remains a hot topic, with more updates expected.
