Patna: As war of words between Union Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani and Bihar Education Minister Ashok Choudhary on Twitter created a furore, the latter on Tuesday apologised to the Union Minister.
Speaking to the media, Choudhary, a Congress leader, justified his tweet saying, “I had very respectfully asked in a tweet "Dear Smriti ji, when is new Education policy going to come".
Further making his point, the Bihar Education Minister said, “Don't know what did she (Smriti Irani) find so offensive in 'Dear'. Don't think there is any kind of disrespect in this (word).”
“But I still apologise to Smriti Irani ji if I have hurt her feelings in any way,” he added.
The whole controversy erupted after the Congress leader questioned the HRD Minister on the new education policy. Here's what he tweeted:
"Dear .@smritiirani ji, कभी राजनीति और भाषण से वक़्त मिले तो शिक्षा निति की तरफ भी ध्यान दें"
— Dr. Ashok Choudhary (@AshokChoudhaary) June 14, 2016
Dear @smritiirani ji, when will we get New Education policy..?
When will year 2015 end in your calendar..? https://t.co/X20LhUsvCt— Dr. Ashok Choudhary (@AshokChoudhaary) June 14, 2016
However, word 'Dear' enraged Irani and the Bharatiya Janata Party leader shot back saying: @AshokChoudhaary mahilaon ko 'dear' keh ke kab se sambodhit karne lage Ashokji ?
@AshokChoudhaary mahilaon ko 'dear' keh ke kab se sambodhit karne lage Ashokji ?
— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) June 14, 2016
However to her surprise, the Twiteratis reacted strongly to her reaction on Choudhary's tweets.
what is harm if you write minister as "Dear".This is basic professional courtesy.why Color with 'mahila' angle https://t.co/YpcPxy51OL
— Vinod Kapri (@vinodkapri) June 14, 2016
Please note, @smritiirani prefers being called Aunty than be address as dear
— Hypocrisy Watch (@bigotry_watch) June 14, 2016
Dear @Smritiirani please get yourself an education. You are so embarrassing.
— Shehanshah Kewrious (@Kewrious) June 14, 2016
Dear @smritiirani, dear @narendramodi is not following your prescribed protocol regarding the usage of 'dear' :( pic.twitter.com/2GDogh3xpW
— Truth Of Gujarat (@TruthOfGujarat) June 14, 2016
Respected @smritiirani ji,a few days I sent an email 2 ur ministry which starts with "dear".Ghussa mat karna I will correct it & resend it
— Santoesha Bissesar (@MsSantoesha) June 14, 2016
