India
Arun Jaitley faces ire of BJP supporters
Updated : Apr 15, 2015, 01:35 AM IST
Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley faced the wrath of Twitterati on Tuesday for condemning VK Singh's 'presstitute' comment and also for giving an interview to NDTV.
It's not uncommon for politicians, sportsmen and actors to be criticised and mocked on Twitter. But this time Arun Jaitley was primarily attacked by Twitter users who are supporters and sympathisers of ruling party BJP itself. The supporters felt peeved by Jaitley's straight talk on a programme conducted by NDTV. Finance Minister Jaitley said that VK Singh could have avoided using the word presstitute. He said that politicians should avoid restrain even if media criticises them harshly. However he also condemned the way a certain channel was using the hashtag 'traitor' for Minister VK Singh.
The 'presstitute' controversy began when VK Singh, given to strange comments, said to a news channel that visiting the Pakistan High Commission was 'more exciting' than evacuating Indians from Yemen. The comment was tagged as insensitive by media outlets and social media, kickstarting a controversy. VK Singh seemingly took offence to the outrage in the media, labelling the media 'presstitutes' in a tweet.
'Presstitutes', a play on 'prostitutes' and 'press', was an oblique allegation that the media tailors or twists news to fit a particular agenda. Subsequently VK Singh did apologise for his tweet.
On the subject of several leaders making offensive statements, Jaitley said that irresponsible and extreme statements are certainly a cause of concern. He condemned Sanjay Raut's statement on revoking voting rights for Muslims. Finance Minister went on to say that government's agenda can't be hijacked by irresponsible statements.
But all these statements' didn't go down well with section of Twitterati. They lashed out using the hashtag #ShameOnArunJaitley
One of the most shameless politicians of Indian history #ShameOnArunJaitley
— Vineet Sharma (@Vineetthesharma) April 14, 2015
This is top trend now #ShameOnArunJaitley cc----> @narendramodi . If this continues it would be difficult to defend.
— Raghukandkur (@RaghuKandkur) April 14, 2015
@AmitShahOffice Atal ji never criticized RSS family member openly. @arunjaitley did today. #ShameOnArunJaitley
— अमित दीक्षित (@amit_dixit) April 14, 2015
Some urged for intervention from PM and Amit Shah
Will @BJP4India @narendramodi @AmitShahOffice open their ears and listen to their supporters #ShameOnArunJaitley
— Kroor Singh (@doubtinggaurav) April 14, 2015
Some people defended him too
Poor Jaitley one of 3-4 educated Minister is getting bashed by Bhakts... Bhakto usko rehne do.... #ShameOnArunJaitley
— Alok Shinde (@alokshinde) April 14, 2015
But mostly he received hostile comments
#ShameOnArunJaitley,l always hated dis gd for nothing man.PM shouldn't have included him in d cabinet fter his poll debacle..
— gunjan singh (@gunjan1214singh) April 14, 2015
Dear @arunjaitley One must never speak against his own family. #Godfather #ShameOnArunJaitley
— Vishwajeet Karmwar (@VKarmwar) April 14, 2015
Blaming Modi?
Why #ShameOnArunJaitley ?? Shame on people who gave him 3 portfolios in cabinet despite rejected by people in LS election.
— Sukhvir Singh Badala (@SukhvirBadal) April 14, 2015
Some pointed towards Jaitley's defeat in the Lok Sabha election.
RT @DrSweta148 Dear @arunjaitley sir, win an election and then comment on @Gen_VKSingh who won by > 5 lacs margin #ShameOnArunJaitley
— Arun Kumar Gupta (@Arunkumg) April 14, 2015
A section of BJP supporters were also angry with Jaitley appearing on NDTV. They felt
@ndtv ran a campaign against Modi not BJP during the elections. @ndtv first choice of BJP PM was Jaitley #ShameOnArunJaitley
— Raj (@Raj_Esh_16) April 14, 2015
Few though believed choice of channel was not the issue
Going to @ndtv is not wrong @arunjaitley bt criticize own minister who did good job and made us all proud, It is wrong #ShameOnArunJaitley
— Convicted (@GujjuBhaii) April 14, 2015
Was trying to figure out why #shameonarunjaitley is the leading trend. Realized there is no particular reason and only cos he appeared on TV
— Gautham Girishankar (@GauthamGtgg) April 14, 2015
But many believed the outrage was heightened due to Jaitley appearing on NDTV.
It doesn't matter what Jaitley said in the interview, he can go there and sing Honey Singh songs and there would have been same outrage.
— Gappistan Radio (@GappistanRadio) April 14, 2015
Arun Jaitley is getting love from Congress and AAP sympathisers. Last time a BJP leader got that, he moved to Maargdarshak Mandal.
— Gappistan Radio (@GappistanRadio) April 14, 2015
If @arunjaitley had a bit of respect for his party BJP and PM @narendramodi, he wouldn't go to @ndtv repeatedly. #ShameOnArunJaitley
— Panun Kashmir (@WandererSS6) April 14, 2015