International pop star Rihanna voiced her support for the ongoing farmers’ protest in India, due to which the Government of India reacted sharply over recent remarks made by a foreign individuals over the issue. The Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement on Wednesday warning against the “temptation of sensationalist social media hashtags and comments” about the government’s new agricultural laws.
A statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs underlined that a ‘very small section of farmers in parts of India have some reservations about these (agri) reforms’.
Denouncing the January 26 violence in Delhi and vandalism at the iconic Red Fort, the ministry said that some vested interest groups were trying to enforce their agenda on the farmers’ protest.
“Some of these vested interest groups have also tried to mobilise international support against India. Instigated by such fringe elements, Mahatma Gandhi statues have been desecrated in parts of the world. This is extremely disturbing for India and for civilised society everywhere,” the statement said.
Rihanna’s tweet gained instant attention on Twitter, with more than one lakh retweets and two lakh likes within hours.
Bollywood actors Richa Chadha and Swara Bhasker, who have been vocal supporters of the issue, lauded her remarks, while Kangana Ranaut criticised her statement.
Bollywood Actor Akshay Kumar has backed the Indian government’s stand on the ongoing farmers’ and called for an “amicable resolution” to the issue. “Farmers constitute an extremely important part of our country. And the efforts being undertaken to resolve their issues are evident. Let’s support an amicable resolution, rather than paying attention to anyone creating differences.#IndiaTogether #IndiaAgainstPropaganda” he tweeted.
