No work if touch feet: Minister's unique rule

Union Cabinet Minister Dr Virendra Kumar has put up signs at his office in Madhya Prdaesh’s Tikamgarh, strictly prohibiting people from touching his feet. The message on the poster reads, "Touching feet is strictly prohibited," and an even sterner warning reads, "No work will be entertained for those who touch feet."

This has left visitors both surprised and intrigued. In a political culture where many leaders expect or even encourage such gestures as a mark of respect, Dr Kumar’s approach stands out.

After Tikamgarh became a reserved Lok Sabha seat in 2009, he contested and won the seat. He continued his winning streak in 2014, 2019, and now in 2024. His political journey began in 1996 when he was first elected as an MP from the Sagar constituency.

Dr Kumar’s humility and accessibility have earned him admiration across his constituency. It is common to see him walking from his residence to the Collectorate office in Tikamgarh during his visits, engaging with locals on the way.

His journey in the Union Cabinet began in 2017 when he was appointed Minister of State. In 2019, after another electoral victory, he was elevated to the position of Cabinet Minister. This year, after his re-election, Prime Minister Narendra Modi retained him in the Union Cabinet.