"This Is India, Not Your So-Called New India": Internet Responds to Akshay Kumar's Tunnel Operation Comments (Image: x.com/akshaykumar)

In a recent social media post on X (formerly Twitter), Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar expressed overwhelming happiness and relief over the successful rescue of 41 labourers trapped in a tunnel in Uttarkashi. While many lauded the efforts of the rescue team, the actor”s comment drew criticism from senior journalist and writer Jyotsna Mohan.

Mohan, known for her insightful commentary, took to social media to address Akshay Kumar directly, stating, “This is India, Akshay Kumar, not your so-called new India. Here, from a child trapped in a borewell to the laborers in a tunnel, rescue operations are not based on ideology. Be a bhakt but don’t leave your humanity behind.”

This is India, Akshay Kumar, not your so called new India. Here from a child trapped in a borewell to the labourers in a tunnel, rescue operations are not based on ideology.

Be a bhakt but don’t leave your humanity behind. @akshaykumar https://t.co/jGgn6BKYSj

— jyotsna mohan (@jyotsnamohan) November 29, 2023

The phrase “new India” has been commonly used by pro-Modi groups to signify their own version of transformative phase in the country”s trajectory since Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office in 2014.

Akshay Kumar”s comment, which attributed the successful rescue to a “new India,” sparked a debate on social media platforms. Critics argue that rescue operations should transcend political ideologies and that the emphasis should remain on the collective effort to save lives.

While many appreciated the actor”s joy for the successful rescue, others echoed Mohan”s sentiments, emphasizing the apolitical nature of humanitarian efforts. The comment section of Akshay Kumar”s post became a battleground for differing opinions on whether such incidents should be politicized.

“New India where tunnels collapse due to poor management of safety protocols. And chamchas hype the rescue,” commented another X user on Akshay Kumar”s post.

“I agree, everyone is trapped to some extent in new India,” said another.

After 17 days of struggle, construction workers were finally have been rescued by an operation by spearheaded by many agencies including NDMA, NDRF and SDRF teams..