Scindia calls BSNL director’s visit demands ‘absurd, shocking’, says show-cause notice issued
The Hindu
Scindia condemns BSNL director Vivek Banzal's lavish hospitality demands as "absurd," issuing a show-cause notice amid public outrage
Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Wednesday (February 25, 2026) slammed the “absurd and shocking” demands and arrangements linked to a senior BSNL director’s proposed Prayagraj visit, calling them “unacceptable” and said that a show-cause notice had been issued.
The Minister’s comments assume significance as controversy erupted after details of extensive hospitality arrangements for BSNL Director Vivek Banzal’s official visit surfaced online, including requests for personal care items such as soaps, combs, shampoos and other toiletries. The document (office order) triggered outrage over perceived entitlement and raised questions about the misuse of public resources.
The visit was subsequently cancelled after the elaborate itinerary detailed in the office order—reportedly involving nearly 50 officials and detailing arrangements down to personal items—drew widespread criticism and ridicule on social media.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday (February 25), Scindia said the episode was “unacceptable” and one that “flouts all rules and traditions”.
“An order like this is unacceptable in new India,” Scindia said, adding that a show-cause notice had been issued. Scindia termed it “beyond absurd” and “shocking”.
According to the order, details of which went viral on social media, the proposed two-day visit of Vivek Banzal, director (CFA) of the BSNL Board, was scheduled from February 25-26. Around 20 tasks were assigned to nearly 50 officials.
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