New Delhi: CPI-turned-Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar’s Instagram post Tuesday of him vacationing in the hills invited brickbats from some who questioned why he wasn’t hitting the streets to lay the groundwork for his new party, instead of holidaying.
But while some took a dig at his Communist credentials, others defended Kanhaiya, saying he had every right to relax and take time off.
In the photo shared by Kanhaiya, the leader is seen reading a book in his room, facing a beautiful view of the mountains. The caption is a Bashir Badr couplet: “Main Chup Raha To Aur Galat Fehmiyaan Barhi/Wo Bhi Suna Hai Usne Jo Maine Kaha Nahi.”
A Twitter handle shared a screenshot of Kumar’s post and wrote: “Something that CPI leader Kanhaiya Kumar could not post but is natural for CONGRESS leader Kanhaiya Kumar to post.”
Something that CPI leader Kanhaiya Kumar could not post but is natural for CONGRESS leader Kanhaiya Kumar to post. pic.twitter.com/0x3RX0NlSo
— Ahindri Banerjee ?? (@speakahindri) October 19, 2021
Another Twitter user stated, “The new moniker for @kanhaiyakumar can be the ‘Bourgeois from Begusarai’,” a jibe at Kumar’s humble roots in Bihar’s Begusarai.
The new moniker for @kanhaiyakumar can be the “Bourgeois from Begusarai.” #KanhaiyaKumar pic.twitter.com/sjOC9COIFo
— Suvam Pal (@suvvz) October 19, 2021
A third Twitter user wrote, “Definitely not on the long march but on a long march to nowhere,” referring to ‘The Long March‘ of the Red Army between 1934 and 1936, to combat the Kuomintang regime, laying the foundation for People’s Republic of China.
Definitely not on the long march but on a long march to nowhere
— Raja Mukherji রাজা মুখোপাধ্যায় ?? (@mukherjiking) October 20, 2021
Kumar joined the Congress with much fanfare last month, jumping ship from the Communist Party of India (CPI) — a political party he had been associated with since his student politics days.
Also read: Kanhaiya who? Why RJD will ignore ex-JNU student leader inducted by ally Congress
‘Why is this picture triggering everyone’
There were many, however, who also sneered at those who found it odd for Kumar to be holidaying.
“Why is this picture of #KanhaiyaKumar triggering everyone? Why cannot a person sit and read a book environed in such beauty? Or is it because we cannot accept someone from his background reaching such places? Is that why we are on lookout for poverty porn? #JustAsking,” a Twitter user wrote.
Why is this picture of #KanhaiyaKumar triggering everyone? Why cannot a person sit and read a book environed in such beauty? Or is it because we cannot accept someone from his background reaching such places? Is that why we are on lookout for poverty porn?#JustAsking pic.twitter.com/rvxntqaqU7
— Banarasi Nietzsche (@Einqalaab) October 20, 2021
Another social media user who came to Kumar’s defence, wrote, “I am equally disappointed with Kanhaiya Kumar for leaving CPI. but I am not with the ones trolling him for posting this pic. Criticize him for his politics, you have no right (to) judge or audit him for sitting in a decent hotel room.”
I am equally disappointed with Kanhaiya Kumar for leaving CPI.
but I am not with the ones trolling him for posting this pic. Criticize him for his politics, you have no right judge or audit him for sitting in a decent hotel room. pic.twitter.com/pwNOmlJspp— Mohammed S P (@ghostof_juror8) October 20, 2021
While it’s been almost a month since Kumar was inducted into the Congress party, he is yet to be given a designation or a party post. Congress sources who did not wish to be named, said he “will be accommodated very soon” in the party ranks, and “will get to work then”.
(Edited by Poulomi Banerjee)
Also read: From Kumaramangalam to Kanhaiya, why Communists can’t change Congress’ fortunes