Amazon does it again, this time it's Gandhi flip-flops

US portal Amazon has done it again. It is selling Gandhi flip- flops for roughly $17. The flip-flops have the face of the Father of the Nation divided into two. It is being sold under the fashion category of Amazon's US portal.

Amazon had earlier used Indian gods to push its merchandise. More recently, Amazon Canada had come under fire from External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj for selling doormats with the design of the Indian flag.

BJP spokesperson Nalin Kohli told DNA: "Gandhi is an idol of the world and it is not something which can be trampled around. This should be brought to the notice of the authorities and correction must take place."

Even in the case of Amazon India, Swaraj's vocal intervention brought the issue to public notice. Swaraj, in her tweet, had threatened Amazon that their employees would not be granted visa to India if the mistake is not immediately corrected.

Speaking to DNA, former diplomat and JD (U) MP Pawan Verma, said: "This is unacceptable. The Indian government must show annoyance. I congratulate Sushma Swaraj for her intervention on the flag issue but this too should be taken up."

This sentiment was echoed by the Congress. "This matter should be resolved immediately like the Indian flag issue. The government needs to intervene," said Congress spokesperson RPN Singh.

Many countries have different laws to deal with national symbols but in the Indian context, Indian symbols are often usurped for commercial means in the West.