Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani's seeming insensitivity towards a Congress spokesperson who had been threatened online with sexual violence sparked a Twitter war of words on Monday morning
The face-off started when a Twitter user made a reference to an opinion piece written by Congress spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi in which she mentions being threatened by a Twitter user last week with rape and murder and a fate “like Nirbhaya”.
A columnist for Swarajya, a self-professedly right-wing publication, offered this response.
Chaturvedi attempted to point out the difference in the two situations.
That's when the Union minister decided to step into the conversation.
Twitter users weren't pleased by Irani's lack of sympathy for a woman being trolled on social media.
A few hours later, Irani tried to strike a half-way conciliatory note.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!