Jaishankar slams Rihanna, Greta for 'motivated campaign' over farmers' protest
2 min read . Updated: 04 Feb 2021, 12:57 PM IST
PremiumExternal Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Wednesday slammed singer Rihanna and climate activist Greta Thunberg for showing support to agitating farmers. Meanwhile, several Indian celebs, including Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli came to his support.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Wednesday slammed singer Rihanna and climate activist Greta Thunberg for showing support to agitating farmers saying: Motivated campaigns targeting India will never succeed.
Motivated campaigns targeting India will never succeed, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Wednesday, in comments that came on a day his ministry hit out singer Rihanna and climate activist Greta Thunberg for their support to farmers agitating against the new agricultural laws.
Also Read | The health nudge is merely a mirage
Recently Rihanna posting a CNN article regarding the farmers' protest tweeted: why aren’t we talking about this?
The tweet triggered a wave of support for them by a number of global celebrities, activists and politicians.
In a strong response to the remarks made by Rihanna and other celebrities and activists, the Ministry of External Affairs earlier said the "temptation" of sensationalist social media hashtags and comments is "neither accurate, nor responsible".
Later also tweeted: "Motivated campaigns targeting India will never succeed. We have the self confidence today to hold our own. This India will push back," Jaishankar said on Twitter with hastags #IndiaTogether and #IndiaAgainstPropaganda.
Besides Rihanna, Swedish teen climate activist Greta Thunberg, Meena Harris, an American lawyer and niece of US Vice President Kamala Harris, actress Amanda Cerni, singers Jay Sean, Dr Zeus and former adult star Mia Khalifa too voiced their support to the protesting farmers.
Rihanna on Tuesday became the first global name to voice her support to the ongoing farmers agitation while criticising the Internet shutdown at the protest sites at Delhi border.
In its reaction, the MEA also said some "vested interest groups" are trying to enforce their agenda on the protests and that a very small section of farmers in parts of the country have some reservations about the farm reforms which were passed by the Parliament after a full debate and discussion.
"Before rushing to comment on such matters, we would urge that the facts be ascertained, and a proper understanding of the issues at hand be undertaken," the MEA said in the statement on 'recent comments by foreign individuals and entities on the farmers' protests'.
Meanwhile, several Indian celebs, including Sachin and Virat Kohli came to his support.
Sachin Tendulkar tweeted: India’s sovereignty cannot be compromised. External forces can be spectators but not participants. Indians know India and should decide for India. Let's remain united as a nation.
Virat Kohli said: Let us all stay united in this hour of disagreements. Farmers are an integral part of our country and I'm sure an amicable solution will be found between all parties to bring about peace and move forward together.
Tens of thousands of farmers have been protesting at three border points on the outskirts of Delhi demanding a complete repeal of the three farm laws.
