Rahul Gandhi again put his foot in his mouth as he posted a cryptic tweet on International Yoga Day with the caption “New India” which invited the ire of many Twitter users who perceived it as “mocking the Army Dog unit”.
Gandhi incited sharp reactions to the tweet he posted to mark the International Yoga Day, whereby he posted a picture of Army’s dog squad doing yoga and captioned it “New India”.
Gandhi has never participated in Yoga Day celebrations.
His tweet began trending within minutes of being posted with Twitter reacting mostly with disparaging references to the Congress president.
New India. pic.twitter.com/10yDJJVAHD
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 21, 2019
He shared two photos showing Army Dogs practising yoga.
It's not clear if the tweet was intended to mock but many prominent people, including newly-elected BJP MP for Bengaluru South Tejasvi Surya, lashed out against the Congress chief, saying “he has insulted our Army, brave Jawans, the incredible dog unit, Yoga tradition & our country”.
Home Minister Amit Shah criticised the tweet saying it was an "insult" of security forces.
The pictures, which Gandhi posted, were initially put up by the official Twitter handle of the Defence spokesperson with the caption 'Army Dog Unit practices Yoga for #YogaDay2019..."
Soon enough, the tweet went viral, and several prominent users, from Sambit Patra to Paresh Rawal, slammed Gandhi for his post.
Just lost dog Twitter, Army Twitter and Yoga Twitter in one deft move
— Raghu Karnad (@rkarnad) June 21, 2019
Yes it’s a NEW INDIA Rahul ji where even dogs are smarter than you . @RahulGandhi
— Paresh Rawal (@SirPareshRawal) June 21, 2019
New India indeed
— Sambit Patra (@sambitswaraj) June 21, 2019
...but Same/Shame Rahul..disrespects India..India’s tradition..India’s Army ..@RahulGandhi ji ..every Dog is not just a PIDI who tweets only for the Gandhi family Scion
These are just not Dogs Sir ..they are those who fight for OUR INDIA ..Salute them!! https://t.co/GQUYaEQwTn
This was probably the cutest most adorable part of Yoga day but count on you @RahulGandhi to mock it. Pretty much sums up your tone deaf election campaign. Hopeless. 🤦♀️
— Rupa Subramanya (@rupasubramanya) June 21, 2019
Ok. He still hasn't learnt his lessons.
— Tejasvi Surya (@Tejasvi_Surya) June 21, 2019
In one go, he has insulted our Army, brave Jawans, the incredible dog unit, Yoga tradition & our country.
I feel really sad for all the young Congress workers (if there are any left) that they have to deal with this man as their leader. https://t.co/c4Vjanw6Wk