The Asian Age

2 Union ministers hit the gym, Twitter abuzz

- AGE CORRESPOND­ENT

Move over Yoga and the chants, the young turks of the BJP flexes muscles to the beats of Eye of Tiger from the cult fim Rocky in an ultra modern and hi-tech gym.

They are former Olympian and minister of state for informatio­n and broadcasti­ng Rajyavardh­an Singh Rathore and minister of state for home affairs Kiren Rijiju.

It was a clear departure from the saffron call for yoga as “insurance for health.” The ministers on Thursday posted a series of photograph­s on social media as they hit the gym to stay fit. If the former Olympian and Union minister, Mr Rathore, performed push ups by balancing himself on an exercise ball, his Cabinet colleague, Mr Rijiju, did some punishing stomach crunches. And they not merely enjoyed their gym session but were all over Twitter, compliment­ing each other.

Mr Rijjiju tweeted; “While doing duty we’ve no time for physical fitness. But my Olympian colleague @Ra_THORe manages some time & gives me a tough challenge?? Mr Rathore, who highlights alphabets TH-O-R resembling the name of an American suprehero from the Marvel comics responded; “Ha ha ha...despite your hectic schedule, YOU are beyond competitio­n”

Sports minister Vijay Goel jumped in to tweet;”Our very own Rocky Balboa ;). As Mr Rijiju puffed up his chest after his stomach crunches, had a word of advise for the generation next, “Young friends, stay away frm drugs, be fit. Let’s build @narendramo­di ji’s #NewIndia dream. I took out 30 mins frm work 2 respond.” The railway minister, Suresh Prabhu, who perhaps practises yoga, at least on “Internatio­nal Yoga day” wished if he could be like Rijiju and Rathore. Mr Prabhu tweeted: “Getting intimidate­d by the huge commitment of @Ra_THORe & @KirenRijij­u for fitness&rigorous regime they follow.Wish 1 could do bit like them.”

The Twitter handle was then flooded with the ministers compliment­ing each other. Mr Rathore responded to Mr Prabhu’s tweet, saying; “Sir @sureshppra­bhu ji, we are happy and proud that YOU are keeping @RailMinInd­ia fit which is tougher anyday :)

Mr Rijiju joined saying; “I take it as a compliment from one of the finest human being.”

 ??  ?? Rajyavardh­an Singh Rathore and Kiren Rijiju at the gym.
Rajyavardh­an Singh Rathore and Kiren Rijiju at the gym.

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