Tharoor draws flak for calling Miss World 'chillar'

New Delhi, Nov 19: Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Sunday drew flak after he referred to Manushi Chhillar, who was crowned Miss World on Saturday, as "chillar" (meaning small change).

Chhillar, a medical student from Harya, won the title in Chi, ending 16 years of drought for India at the intertiol beauty pageant.

"What a mistake to demonetise our currency! BJP should have realised that Indian cash domites the globe: look, even our Chhillar has become Miss World!" the former Union Minister tweeted. Last seen, 1,700 persons had commented on Tharoor's post, which was also "liked" by as many people. One of the respondents wondered if Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi -- whose tweets have of late grabbed much attention for their humour and satire -- and Tharoor had switched accounts.

"Logout Rahul Gandhi. Get back to your account," tweeted a popular parody account.

Interestingly, Rahul Gandhi's tweet celebrating the 21-year-old's achievement at Miss World pageant was quite sober. "Congratulations to Miss World 2017 Manushi Chhillar on her achievement. Our young achievers make us proud. India's future lies in the indomitable spirit and excellence of our youth," Rahul Gandhi tweeted. Some users, however, responded with anger. "Not expected from you," wrote a user. Tharoor soon took to Twitter and Facebook to ask people to "chill". "Guess the pun is the lowest form of humour, and the bilingual pun lower still! Apologies to the many who seem to have been righteously offended by a light-hearted tweet today. (IANS)