Users on Twitter promptly pointed out that this instance brought stark visions of casteism that is apparently alive and thriving in our society.
Twitterati on Thursday exploded with criticism after a video went viral on the social media website which showed the Forest Minister of Tamil Nadu, Dindigul C Sreenivasan, asking a tribal boy to remove his footwear so that he can enter a shrine.
The videos posted on Twitter also informed that the incident occurred at Mudumalai in Theppakadu, where the minister was present to inauguration a rejuvenation camp for captive elephants in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR), located in the Nilgiris.
Users on Twitter promptly pointed out that this instance brought stark visions of casteism that is apparently alive and thriving in our society.
Tamil Nadu Forest Minister Dindigul C Sreenivasan asked two tribal boys to remove his slippers to enter a shrine. Sack him from his position immediately. pic.twitter.com/icK5U1rDlH
— Saumya (@Saumyart) February 6, 2020
Some called it 'VVIP racism' while someone just said 'Manuwad...'
#WATCH This is shocking VVIP racism. TN forest minister Dindigul C Sreenivasan calls two #Tribal boys and asks them to remove his slippers so that he can enter a shrine!!!#TamilNadu pic.twitter.com/DHHgNUWuWt
— The Dalit Voice (@ambedkariteIND) February 6, 2020
Manuwad...
— Jiniyas Buddhamitra (@Jiniyas2312) February 6, 2020
Most people took the opportunity to harshly criticise the minister.
Chaar paise Kya kamaliye khud ko bhagwan samajhne lagte hai..
— RDX Bhai (@Mogambo10153719) February 6, 2020
Shameful... Even if it's done without negative intentions, it's shameful
— CanvasLaughterClub (@NaraazF) February 6, 2020
A Tribal Boy was forced to remove the Cheppal of a Minister today. Atrocious Act of a Tamilnadu Forest Minister Dindigul Srinivasan should be booked under SC/ST PoA Act. The government officials who were silent spectators are equally liable and booked pic.twitter.com/6Gnr9LiLFh
— Pandiyanequity (@pandiyanequity) February 6, 2020
Pure atrocious behaviour from minister.!!
— Saravanan Balakrishnan (@saravananbk05) February 6, 2020
How a man without common sense prevail in the cabinet?!
Tamil Nadu should not accept this behaviour from anyone ,anytime.#dindigulsrinivasan
1. Class IX student removes shoes off 71-year-old minister
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The videos posted on Twitter also informed that the incident occurred at Mudumalai in Theppakadu, where the minister was present to inauguration a rejuvenation camp for captive elephants in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR), located in the Nilgiris.
The footage was first broadcast by a local television channel which showed that the Tamil Nadu minister made the tribal boy remove his shoes so that he could enter a shrine at Mudumalai.
In the video, it can be seen that the tribal kid bent over and unbuckled the 71-year-old minister's footwear. The tribal boy has been identified as a local Class IX student who goes by the name of Kethan.
According to a report, the AIADMK minister was allegedly suffering from back pain, which is why he made the tribal boy do it.
