Recently, a video of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman saying that “I don’t eat onions, so don’t worry” in the parliament went viral and several netizens criticised her. The hashtag #SayItLikeNirmalaTai trended on Twitter as thousands of people including politicians were infuriated by her ‘ignorance’ portrayed in the video. However, the video clip that was being shared is misleading and here’s why.

Political analyst Gaurav Pandhi tweeted, "The Onion prices across the country is skyrocketing, basic meals of the poor & the middle class is affected and Finance Minister's response: "I don't eat onions, so it doesn't matter to me" Anti-people and insensitive Govt!".

Congress MP Abhishek Singhvi tweeted, "#SayItLikeNirmalaTai I don't eat onions so #onionprice doesn't affect me. I have high cholesterol so salt prices don't affect me. I don't have xyz so price of xyz treatment doesn't affect me."

Many Twitter users shared the particular video clip criticised Sitharman and the Government for being insensitive. You can watch the clip here:

Based on the clipped video, some journalists even called her an ignorant and power-drunk leader. A journalist associated with The Hindu, Vidya Krishnan tweeted, "The Finance minister belongs to a Tamil Iyengar Brahmin family. This comment not only shows what an ignorant, power drunk leader she is but also furthers the propaganda ritual purity & Brahminism".

Clipped video

The video clip which was being shared by several users was edited to show only her saying that she does not eat onions, however, there is a context attached to her saying those words. Sitharaman was answering a question regarding the hike in onion prices which was posed by Congress MP Supriya Sule when she was interrupted by another member in the parliament who asked Sitharaman if she eats Egyptian onions. To tackle this interruption, the Finance Minister replied saying "I don’t eat garlic and onions, so don’t worry. I come from a family where onions and garlic are not used”. It is to be noted she never mentioned that onion prices do not matter to her. One can watch the full parliamentary debate down below. 

Later on, Nirmala Sitharaman's office tweeted out saying that a part of a full video is being shared and quoted out of context and that it is misleading. She has also attached the full clip where she explains how the government is going to control the onion price hike.

In conclusion, social media users including politicians have shared an edited and misleading video that led to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman receive heavy criticisms on social media. However, it was clarified by the BJP minister herself.