Ruling and oppositions, each party is putting their heart and soul in campaigning before the big battle in 2019. BJP leader Manoj Tiwari is a part of the gang too and his recent rally was in New Delhi. It is not uncommon for the leaders to face flax because of what they did or said in the rally. Manoj Tiwari, however, received a backlash from a completely different reason.
Manoj Tiwari drew accusation that he was trying to cash in the present aerial face-off that took place between neighboring countries, Indian and Pakistan. He attended the rally in military fatigues and that is what attracted the flak from oppositions, as well as, a section of the common people.
जब BJP की #BJPVIjaySankalpBikeRally के शुभारम्भ पे हमने अभिनंदन को याद किया.. सेना का सम्मान, @narendramodi की देशभक्ति और विकास का काम,#AbhinandanVartaman का जयगान .. झूम रही है उ पु दिल्ली झूम रहा है हिंदुस्तान @BJP4Delhi pic.twitter.com/23NSQ6uoWi
— Manoj Tiwari (@ManojTiwariMP) March 2, 2019
One among the first one to drop an opinion about the BJP leader’s attire was Trinamool leader Derek O’Brien. He posted:
Shameless. Shameless. Shameless. Manoj Tewari BJP MP and Delhi President wearing Armed Forces uniform and seeking votes. BJP-Modi-Shah insulting and politicising our jawans. And then giving lectures on patriotism. Low life
Advertisement— Derek O’Brien | ডেরেক ও’ব্রায়েন (@derekobrienmp) March 3, 2019
Soon others joined in and started pouring their comments. Here is what they had to say:
BJP’s Delhi President Manoj Tiwari begging for votes wearing army uniform – Modi and his minions are politicizing Indian Army to a very dangerous level. https://t.co/lnuD01BxcB
— Ashok Swain (@ashoswai) March 3, 2019
The sad story of contemporary #India is that it does not matter if you are a patriot in true sense of the term.
Being a Propagandandist matters more than being a Patriot.#IndiaPakistanTension@abhisar_sharma @bainjal @ashoswai @BDUTT @LangaMahesh @mahrukhinayet @sagarikaghose pic.twitter.com/SoLC2klqTJ— Deepal.Trivedi (@DeepalTrevedie) March 3, 2019
Because of strong Modi wave in 2014, few undeserving people also reached the Parliament. These people have no connect to masses, no respect for public sentiments and no political sense. Manoj Tiwari is one such man.
Sir @narendramodi, Delhi BJP deserves a better leader.
— THE SKIN DOCTOR (@theskindoctor13) March 3, 2019
It’s their habit of doing embarrassing things without thinking for a second. Really shameless people.
— Sujit Pani (@pani_sujit) March 3, 2019
Shame on Manoj Tewari , shame on BJP pic.twitter.com/6cVLLXGXnO
— Arup Chakraborty (@aitmc_arup) March 3, 2019
There were, however, people who came in support of the BJP lawmaker and they stated that he has not done anything wrong or unethical.
But not shameless to say ‘Armed Forces ‘ in caps, like there any green fatigues are offcial army/ BSF clothes? We have freedom of expression. I think wearing green clothes shows solidarity with the cause. 1. we need to defend our borders with iron resolve .2. care for protectors
— Tushar Kapila (@Tushar_Kapila) March 3, 2019
He is proud Indian and actor who represents REAL INDIA…. Sirjee aap ki party mein aisa koi bhi nahi hey… aur agar uniform pehna bhi to uski beijjati hogi ..so dnt even dream about it …btw NaMo is taking oath for sure …we are just gonna do formality of voting..👍🏻👍🏻
— Pramthesh Pandya (@PandyaPramthesh) March 3, 2019
When India is at war with pakistan, the patriotic fervour colours whole country into the colour of soldiers and their outfits. People show solidarity and support with the army by being part of them. But a convertee like you will not understand. Wait till you and masters taught…
— SK (@sarvatrra) March 4, 2019
Better than wearing a skull cap !
— Rohit Koul🇮🇳 (@koulrohit2016) March 3, 2019
The controversy kept on brewing and people were eagerly dropping their mixed comments. Finally, Manoj Tiwari tweeted about this fiasco. He said that it is not the first time he is wearing military fatigues. Furthermore, the actor-turned-politician said that he wore it because he felt proud of the Indian Army.
I wore simply because I felt proud of my Army.I am not in Indian army but i was expressing my feeling of solidarity.Why should it be treated like an insult?
I have the highest regard for our Army
By logic tomorrow If I wear a Nehru Jacket will it be an insult to Jawaharlal nehru? https://t.co/MqMXPEqxsu— Manoj Tiwari (@ManojTiwariMP) March 3, 2019
Again, netizens were divided in their opinion. Here are the ones who couldn’t digest this explanation:
Now you’re comparing Army Uniform with Nehru Jacket? A piece of Jacket? With this sort of knowledge & mindset, you’re yourslef an insult for the position of Member of Parliament that you hold and disgrace for the people of North East Delhi who voted for you. Such a sorry state.
— Gaurav Pandhi (@GauravPandhi) March 3, 2019
Absurd argument ,
Army uniform can’t be compared to Nehru Jacket .
Can I honour your wife like I honour mine ?— Bankim Mistry- R U 45+ ? Take Interest in Politics (@BankiMistry) March 3, 2019
Where was your pride on the night of the #PulwamaTerrorAttack when over 40 soldiers were martyred and you were dancing away to glory? You are no less than a vulture feasting on the dead bodies of our martyrs. #Thoo pic.twitter.com/D10TDPn92B
— Rofl Republic (@i_theindian) March 3, 2019
Tiwari ji uniforms r earned out of blood sweat toil,AF people take oath on their uniforms & sacrifice their lives for the dignity of the uniform,so we keep uniforms on pedestals,it can simply not be worn by anyone4public display no matter how good ur intentions r. Also not legal.
— Swapnil Pandey (@swapy6) March 4, 2019
There were few who supported the leader:
These Shirts are being sold everywhere and Indians wear it with Pride. How is this an insult to army ? pic.twitter.com/1l3RUifrCn
— Punit Agarwal (@Punitspeaks) March 3, 2019
Dont we wear army pants?? Is it really an insult?? Common people proudly wear it.. They don’t wear it to demean or insult them…
— Anaya (@AnayaFeels) March 3, 2019
This is not ARMY UNIFORM. Just a camouflage design shirt.
— Vishwesh 🇮🇳 (@VishweshIndia) March 3, 2019
It’s the in thing fashion wise. Has been all winter. And always looks awesome 😊👍
— Shalini Lakhanpal (@paul_shalini) March 3, 2019
What are your thoughts on this whole fiasco? Is it fine for someone to don military fatigues or that’s crossing the line? Share your thoughts in the comments.
