When Chetan Bhagat got trolled for commenting on #DelhiOddEvenLogic

Chetan Bhagat and Twitter controversy are almost synonymous with each other now. India's bestselling novelist has never shied away from giving his views on the burning issue of the day but in the process often gets 'burned' by Twitter users with dissenting opinions.

Something similar happened on Saturday, when Bhagat expressed his opinion on the newly given diktat by the AAP government to restrict plying of commercial vehicles in the road to curb pollution. The government has decided that cars with odd and even number plates will ply on alternate days. Bhagat effectively lampooned the decision, terming it 'draconian', 'undemocratic' and something that can't be implemented. He also said that at a time when economic growth is the need of the hour, this decision will go against it. 

This is what he said,

At a time when we need economic growth and jobs, somebody decides to get half the vehicles off the roads and destroy productivity. Nice.

— Chetan Bhagat (@chetan_bhagat) December 5, 2015

Draconian, undemocratic, not implementable, not a real solution, bizarre. Odd even cars kind of posturing politics should be avoided. Please

— Chetan Bhagat (@chetan_bhagat) December 5, 2015

Real solution to Delhi pollution is to improve smaller cities. Lower pressure on supermetros. Good emission norms, great public transport.

— Chetan Bhagat (@chetan_bhagat) December 5, 2015

Taking a jibe at AAP supporters, Bhagat said,

I know AAP supporters like the romantic idea of shoving change through. Sadly guys, with all respect, it doesn't work. Practicality matters.

— Chetan Bhagat (@chetan_bhagat) December 5, 2015

Tried to brush aside perception of being pro-BJP, Bhagat said,

I criticised it just as much. U didn't see those tweets....huh ?? https://t.co/kLucOQTiKA

— Chetan Bhagat (@chetan_bhagat) December 5, 2015

'CAT question'- Hat tip to MBA days? 

CAT question: if you go for dinner in lala land Delhi in odd number car and finish post midnight, what do u do?

— Chetan Bhagat (@chetan_bhagat) December 5, 2015

What followed was barrage of tweets attacking him. AAP leader Kumar Vishwas said-

आजा नच लै न्यायाधीश https://t.co/SyPSYzkbr7

— Dr Kumar Vishvas (@DrKumarVishwas) December 5, 2015

And the rest followed.

At the time when we need, writers and intellectuals , we have dance judges and half girlfriend novels #chetanbhagat #DelhiOddEvenLogic

— Krishna subramanian (@brainsecretions) December 5, 2015

Ek teer, do nishana 

I like Chetan Bhagat. I like how he's competing with Rahul Gandhi for the coveted title. https://t.co/kKC7LVG6tx

— Akil Bakhshi (@AB_Mystique) December 5, 2015

SoBo Bhagat? 

@chetan_bhagat cars are a sign of productivity? Get out of Bandra once in a while please.

— Ritesh Uttamchandani (@photowallah) December 5, 2015

Not sure if this is the best logic to counter Bhagat though.

Says someone who isn't staying in Delhi and isn't subjected to the alarming pollution levels! https://t.co/4qAFv6kl9r

— Rohini Singh (@Rohinisgh) December 5, 2015

Sambit- the eternal whipping boy 

@chetan_bhagat Tera logic sunnke, Sambit patra bhi aesa muh bana raha hai pic.twitter.com/qMtKY2P9JP

— Kirti (@Ghani_Bawri) December 5, 2015

Aggression unlimited.

Please live in Delhi for some time and then pontificate. Trying something better than the status quo. https://t.co/BSJ62dIUWT

— Raheel Khursheed (@Raheelk) December 5, 2015

Burn! 

There are a lot of good books available but people decided to read @chetan_bhagat book 's. who's to blame ? https://t.co/PoTBnq4d5l

— RJ (@ronyjacob) December 5, 2015

 IIM education getting questioned because of Bhagat

@chetan_bhagat people like you are the reason why I feel IIMs should introduce Humanities & Environment in their syllabus

— Nitin Chavan (@a20nitin) December 5, 2015

This particular Twitter user was just brutal .

Someone please arrange a show of Avatar for Mr Chetan Bhagat since he's still stucked in High school level Development Vs Environment debate

— Nitin Chavan (@a20nitin) December 5, 2015

I am sure #DelhiOddEvenLogic will prompt people to increase usage of car pooling. Isn't it a cool idea for a love story, @chetan_bhagat?

— Nitin Chavan (@a20nitin) December 5, 2015

No half-measures here.

At a time when we need more trees & greenry,somebody decides to print shitty books on precious paper made frm trees pic.twitter.com/OfGDIK2bee

— Parul Bajaj (@parulbajaj) December 5, 2015

Last but not the least.

@chetan_bhagat That's the worst argument I have heard against this move.

— Gabbbar (@GabbbarSingh) December 5, 2015

Bhagat tried to counter by replying to some of the trolling. 

Dost Ho. humse mazaak chalta hai. Par Dhyan se Rehna. Aapke Bade sahab ko pasand nahi aaya to Phir jaante Ho na... https://t.co/NeQLSM7SmK

— Chetan Bhagat (@chetan_bhagat) December 5, 2015

Yes it is. No practical. And don't understand why AAP supporters are getting so agitated and taking it personally. https://t.co/TJUJPKPdoE

— Chetan Bhagat (@chetan_bhagat) December 5, 2015

Yes. And happens on Twitter all the time. Drop logic. Attack. Hence won argument. https://t.co/mRflChdZsH

— Chetan Bhagat (@chetan_bhagat) December 5, 2015

But it doesn't mean every hare brained scheme would achieve that or would work. Intention ok practicality 0. https://t.co/vRiAN7viYH

— Chetan Bhagat (@chetan_bhagat) December 5, 2015

All in a day for Chetan Bhagat! So who do you think won, Bhagat or his trolls?