In yet another embarrassment for the BJP-led government in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, newly sworn-in Chief Minister Tirath Singh Rawat has become the butt of online jokes after making a gaffe in his public address, when he said the United States ruled India for over 200 years.
Apparently confusing United Kingdom with United States, the Uttarakhand chief said, "India remained a slave to United States of America for more than 200 years, which ruled large parts of the world, yet India has done comparatively better in fighting the Coronavirus pandemic."
His remarks triggered strong reactions and several opposition leaders took to Twitter, expressing their disapproval. Senior Congress leader and spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his choice of "such learned leaders". " What is the fault of God's land, Uttarakhand,"said Surjewala.
Dinesh Mohaniya, incharge of Aam Aadmi Party in Uttarakhand rebuked the state chief terming his remarks as a fallout of "weed effect".
Netizens too dripped with sarcasm, taking digs at the CM for his remarks.
Credit where it's due. Modi ji made Tirath Singh Rawat CM of Uttarakhand so that Indians can have good laugh, eventually leading to rise in India's rank in World Happiness Index.
Masterstroke.