Union Minister Suresh Prabhu Makes Distasteful ‘Pilot Project’ Jibe After Abhinandan’s Release, Deletes Tweets After Getting Called Out
Prabhu’s tweet also tried milk political mileage by giving credit for the IAF pilot’s release to the Prime Minister.
Following Pakistan’s release of IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, Minister for Civil Aviation and Commerce & Industry, Suresh Prabhu on Friday, March 1 posted a tweet using the phrase ‘pilot project’. The phrase was first used by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s at a Science Award Function on Thursday and was termed insensitive by many. Prabhu deleted the tweet after backlash on Social Media.
The minister had tweeted, “Hon’ble PM @narendramodi ji ensures successful completion of the ‘pilot project.’ Saluting his brave leadership daredevil Commander Abhinandan back home.”
However, the screenshot of the deleted tweet has since gone viral. Twitter is lashing out at Prabhu not only for the phrase ‘pilot project’, but also for giving complete credit of Abhinandan’s release to the Prime Minister to milk political mileage.
One user tweeted, “This tweet tells you everything you need to know about BJP’s brand of politics (now deleted by Suresh Prabhu). As soon as WC #Abhinandan is back vultures are out to milk political mileage for the emperor.”
This tweet tells you everything you need to know about BJP’s brand of politics (now deleted by Suresh Prabhu). As soon as WC #Abhinandan is back vultures are out to milk political mileage for the emperor #WelcomeHomeAbhinandan @GautamDixit007 @Shalini08102330 @Ridzi_8137 @azim581 pic.twitter.com/smiv4UyG8p
— Pawan Dixit (@Pawan00071030) March 2, 2019
Rizwan Moinuddin comments, “I had retweeted Suresh Prabhu’s tweet where he clearly discusses pilot project as of Abhinandan’ return! Lol now the minister will say it was his mistake!”
I had retweeted Suresh Prabhu’s tweet where he clearly discusses pilot project as of Abhinsndan’ return! Lol now the minister will say it was his mistake!
— رضوان Rizwan Mohiuddin (@ajnabiever) March 1, 2019
A communications professional, Karthik, shared the dislike with other users for Prabhu’s tweet.
‘pilot project’.
Minister of Commerce and Industry, Civil Aviation.
Now deleted.
Disgusting. pic.twitter.com/LT0OGZEhgV— Karthik (@beastoftraal) March 1, 2019
Pratik Sinha, wrote, “Such a disgusting tweet from a Union Minister. Now deleted.”
'Pilot Project'. Such a disgusting tweet from a Union Minister. Now deleted. pic.twitter.com/DksLg23lFA
— Pratik Sinha (@free_thinker) March 1, 2019
P.C Kulkarni, another user, said he lost respect he had for the Minister after his tweet.
Mr Suresh Prabhu, I definitely had some respect for you but after reading your tweet about pilot project, it has evaporated in thin air
— PCKULKARNI (@PCKULKARNI1) March 1, 2019
On February 28, the PM had alluded to the IAF pilot and the escalation with Pakistan saying “A pilot project has been completed. We have to make it real now.” This cryptic remark had earned him heavy criticism for being apathetic and insensitive.