Oh dear! Irani spars on Twitter with minister
PATNA: A Twitter spat between Bihar education minister Ashok Choudhary and Union human resource development minister Smriti Irani trended on the micro-blogging site on Tuesday. With many social media users joining in, the squabble turned bitter at times.
It started with Choudhary reminding Irani of the new education policy, which was scheduled to be announced by the end of 2015.
“Dear @smritiirani ji, when will we get new education policy..? When will year 2015 end in your calendar..? If you get time from politics and speeches, do pay attention to education policy also,” tweeted Choudhary. Incidentally, Irani was to visit Bhagalpur in Bihar to attend a function on Tuesday.
This brought an immediate retort from Irani: “@ AshokChoudhary mahilaon ko ‘dear’ keh ke kab se sambodhit karne lage Ashokji? (When did you start addressing a woman as dear?)”. Choudhary promptly replied: “Not to disrespect but educate... Professional emails start with “dear”. @smritiirani ji kabhi mudde pe jawab dijiye, don’t circle around it.”
This triggered a torrent of tweets, with many users retweeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tweet from October 1, 2015, which was addressed to singer Asha Bhosle. “Dear @ashabhosle Tai…,” it said.
Twitter was divided, with many users even raking up the Bihar toppers’ scam even as the two ministers continued their war of words. Soon after, the blame game started and Choudhary tweeted, “Seems @smritiirani ji isn’t aware her ministry’s website mentions consultation with eastern zone including Bihar.”
Irani responded, “@AshokChoudhary would you rather say Sir that I don’t consult Bihar, if that is your stand then I shall comply though with a sense of regret.”
Irani told Choudhary that Bihar was the only state from which no one from the education department turned up to discuss the policy with the Centre. Choudhary had the last word, tweeting: “I know how to deliver on my promises. Request you to deliver on what you have promised.”