‘When Indira Gandhi reached Moon’: Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's fresh gaffe

Last week, the Trinamool Congress supremo confused film director Rakesh Roshan for Rakesh Sharma, the only Indian to go to space.

Published on: Aug 29, 2023, 11:31:11 IST

By HT News Desk, New Delhi

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Days after mixing up Rakesh Sharma and Rakesh Roshan, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, in a fresh gaffe, said on Monday that former prime minister Indira Gandhi 'went to the Moon.'

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata. (PTI file)

“When Indira Gandhi reached the Moon, she asked Rakesh (Sharma) how does Hindustan (India) look from there. He replied ‘Sare jahaan se achcha’ (the best in the world),” India Today quoted Banerjee as saying.

The All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) supremo was addressing a rally on the occasion of the foundation day anniversary of the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP), the party's student wing.

Videos of the Bengal CM's latest gaffe were widely shared on X, the social network previously known as Twitter.

Mamata Banerjee on Chandrayaan-3

Last week, while congratulating the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on the success of its ambitious Chandrayaan-3 mission, the veteran leader said India Gandhi asked ‘Rakesh Roshan’ how India looks from the Moon.

Except, it was Rakesh Sharma, then a pilot with the Indian Air Force (IAF), and not director-actor Rakesh Roshan, the father of actor Hrithik Roshan. Also, Sharma did not go to the Moon; he flew to the then-Soviet Union's Salyut 7 Orbital Station in the low Earth orbit, participating in a Soviet space mission.

Also Read | ‘Born early:’ Rakesh Sharma, first and only Indian in space, on Chandrayaan 3

The Gandhi-Sharma conversation took place in April 1984. The latter, now 74, is also the only Indian national to go to space.

Chandrayaan-3

Banerjee's aforementioned slip of tongue came on August 23, shortly after ISRO successfully soft-landed Chandrayaan-3's lander module on the lunar surface, making India only the fourth country to achieve the Moon soft-landing. The United States, Russia and China are the others.

Also, the lander module touched down at the celestial body's South Pole, its intended destination. India is, therefore, the only nation to reach the lunar South Pole.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Follow India news real-time updates and the latest news covered on Hindustan Times, featuring today's critical updates on Sonam Wangchuk LIVE and more across India.