MUMBAI: The on-going farmers protest in Delhi has spilled over to the social media with celebs from across the globe randomly tweeting in support, but what has been termed as a mere propaganda by not only several leaders especially from the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party, and celebs from India but also by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Apparently the first salvo was fired by international singing sensation Robyn Rihanna Fenty better known as Rihanna on February 2, when she tweeted a CNN online article, with the headlines, 'India cuts internet around New Delhi as protesting farmers clash with police,' on her handle with a comment, "Why aren’t we talking about this?! #FarmersProtest". Rihanna has a huge follower base of over 101 million on tweeter.

Rihanna's tweet was soon followed by tweet from climate activist Greta Thunberg on February 3, who re-tweeted the same CNN article and commented, "We stand in solidarity with the #FarmersProtest in India."

Soon other celebs like adult film star Mia Khalifa, YouTuber Lilly Singh, poet Rupi Kaur, rapper Russ, actor John Cusack, US Vice president Kamala Harris’s niece Meena Harris and UK MP Claudia Webbe and a host of others followed suite by tweeting in favour of the farmers agitation.

Most of the tweets by celebs were trending with Rihanna's tweet alone being retweeted by over 316k times with over 750 likes. The hashtag #FarmersProtest" has also drawn global attention, trending with over one a half million mentions.

As the ripple effects of the tweets began trending, the MEA, released a statement saying that some of these vested interest groups have also tried to mobilise international support against India.

The statement said, "The temptation of sensationalist social media hashtags and comments, especially when resorted to by celebrities and others, is neither accurate nor responsible. We would like to emphasise that these protests must be seen in the context of India’s democratic ethos and polity, and the efforts of the Government and the concerned farmer groups to resolve the impasse." 

"Before rushing to comment on such matters, we would urge that the facts be ascertained, and a proper understanding of the issues at hand be undertaken," the statement added. 

Soon Indian leaders and minsters like Union home minister Amit Shah also took to Twitter, “No propaganda can deter India’s unity! No propaganda can stop India to attain new heights! Propaganda cannot decide India’s fate only ‘Progress’ can. India stands united and together to achieve progress.”

External affairs minister S Jaishankar tweeted: “Motivated campaigns targeting India will never succeed. We have the self-confidence today to hold our own. This India will push back.”

Indian celebs like Ajay Devgun, Lata Mangeskar, Sunil Shetty, Sachin Tendulkar also tweet, "Don't fall for any false propaganda against India or Indian policies. It's important to stand united at this hour w/o any infighting," Ajay Devgun posted.

Mangeshkar also tweeted, "India is a glorious nation and we all Indians stand with our heads held high. As a proud Indian, I have full faith that any issues or problems that as a country we face, we are fully equipped to resolve them amicably, keeping the interest of our people in mind. Jai Hind."