As Indians in Ukraine plead for help, Meenakshi Lekhi discusses soil with Sadhguru; faces backlash

Minister of State for External Affairs, Meenakshi Lekhi, faced backlash online after she posted a few pictures with self-styled godman Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, discussing “importance of restoration of soil health” even as efforts are under way to evacuate Indians stranded in war-torn Ukraine.

On Monday, the Union minister took to Twitter to post some pictures with the godman. “Delighted to meet @SadhguruJV in Coimbatore today. Had an extensive conversation on the importance of restoration of soil health amidst the soil degradation crisis. Appreciated Sadhguru’s “Save Soil” campaign, and shared ideas to improve soil nutrition for future generations,” she wrote.

However, many netizens wondered if the minister shouldn't be making every effort to be of assistance to the Indians stranded in Ukraine instead of “hanging out with Sadhguru.”

"Mos for External Affairs Madam Meenakshi Lekhi is hanging out with Sadhguru in Coimbatote,pls don’t disturb," wrote a Twitter user.

"This is Meenakshi Lekhi, MoS Ministry of External Affairs spending time with Sadhguru when Indians in Ukraine are getting killed," wrote another.

Another user was more scathing in his criticism. "It is very unfortunate that Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi is taking spiritual knowledge from Sadhguru when thousands students are stranded in Ukraine. We don't want to become such a senseless world guru."

"An Indian student Naveen has died in Ukraine. Meanwhile our Minister of State for External Affairs, Meenakshi Lekhi is trying to compete with Sadhguru for the best saree of the day," read another comment.