English daily The Telegraph’s headline has, once again, created a flutter on social media for taking a dig at Union Minister Smriti Irani.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reshuffled his cabinet, dropping Irani from the HRD Ministry and moving her to the Textile Ministry, considered a less prestigious post.
The front page of The Telegraph on Wednesday boldly announced, “Spinderella” with the caption reading, “Smriti shifted to textiles, Arun minus I&B”. The lead story also came with a photo-shopped picture of Irani working a spinning wheel. But that’s not all, the daily also drew attention to the Twitter wars that the minister has been involved in recently, highlighting, “I hope she won’t confuse the TEXTile ministry with the ministry for TEXTING...”
Twitter users called out the paper for its offensive lead, with some journalists even wondering if this was considered journalism.
Very distasteful, how is this journalism? #SmritiIrani https://t.co/iHbuEXu8gD
— Marya Shakil (@maryashakil) July 6, 2016
This is not even tabloidish. This is cheap and below the belt. https://t.co/2gw8FsKmgb
— Rahul Pandita (@rahulpandita) July 6, 2016
While some users argued that the paper’s cover story was misogynistic, others called out The Telegraph for its continued targeting of Smriti Irani. Some of the past headlines include, “Aunty National” and “Kyunki mantriji kabhi student nahi thi”. One user even went so far, as to recommend Smriti Irani to Union Minister for Women and Child Development, who had tweeted on Tuesday, asking women who were trolled and abused to email her.
You don't have to like Smriti Irani but can't deny that telegraph piece is disgustingly misogynist. Shame.
— Priyal (@priyal) July 6, 2016
#SmritiIrani might not have done groundbreaking work. Many in Modi govt havent. And Telegraph is repeat offender. Back off! Not Cool...
— Tambrahm Girl (@TambrahmGirl) July 6, 2016
I know of one such woman: Smriti Irani. Trollers: Telegraph of ABP Group. Any action @Manekagandhibjp ? https://t.co/FGvhVVhxoV
— This is shocking (@bwoyblunder) July 6, 2016
The Telegraph did, however, receive words of praise from some users, who called the newspaper “fearless”
I love telegraph's headlines. Always fearless and spot on. #SmritiIrani pic.twitter.com/7YhF7a14R4
— Stuti Mishra (@ssttuuttii) July 6, 2016