Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor sparked controversy with a social media post mocking competitive examinations in Uttar Pradesh in light of recent paper leaks. The post, which featured an answer sheet with a tongue-in-cheek response to a question about UP, drew backlash from BJP leaders who accused Tharoor of stereotyping the state. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also denounced Tharoor's comments, saying the Congress leader has "succumbed to lunacy" with his remarks.
Shashi Tharoor's Controversial Social Media Post on UP Paper Leaks
Background:
Uttar Pradesh, the most populous state in India, has been plagued by repeated paper leaks in recent months, casting a shadow over the integrity of competitive examinations. The leaks have sparked outrage and raised concerns about the quality of education and fairness in recruitment processes.
Tharoor's Post:
On January 21, 2023, senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor shared a satirical answer sheet on his social media accounts. The answer sheet, supposedly belonging to a UP candidate, contained a tongue-in-cheek response to a question about the state: "UP: A state where paper leaks more than faucets."
Backlash:
Tharoor's post drew immediate backlash from BJP leaders. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath condemned Tharoor's remarks, accusing him of "insulting the people of UP." Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma labeled Tharoor's comments as "lunacy."
Congress Response:
The Congress party defended Tharoor's post, saying it was meant as a criticism of the "rampant corruption" in UP and not an attack on the people.
Fallout:
The controversy has sparked a heated debate on social media and in the political arena. Some people have criticized Tharoor for mocking the state, while others have supported his right to express his views.
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