The "anti-Romeo squads", one of the first measures taken by the newly formed BJP government in Uttar Pradesh, have come in the line of fire for allegedly harassing and humiliating couples.
The squad, formed "to protect the honour of women", was one of the BJP's oft-repeated poll promises and was meant to check "eve-teasing" by young men, especially near colleges.
Following widespread criticism, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has now directed officials to ensure that no one is harassed unnecessarily by the squad.
Meanwhile, Twitter has made sure to not let the moment pass without some humour of course.
If breaking up couples is what Anti Romeo Squad going to do, then they should launch an app called Hinder.
— Poonam Khatri (@poonamkhatri) March 24, 2017
#AntiRomeoSquad name is a insult to great classic character Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. @AmitShah @myogiadityanath pls consider
— ajay (@ajay_dir) March 25, 2017
Anti-Romeo Squad: Revenge Of The Frustrated Losers And Worthless Hypocrites?
— Sanjiv Bhatt (IPS) (@sanjivbhatt) March 25, 2017
Lord Shri Krishna has decided to leave Mathura as #AntiRomeoSquad may arrest him.Kejriwal invites him to Delhi & assured 4 accommodation.
— Akhilesh Choudhary (@aapakhi) March 25, 2017
Have been informed that anti Romeo squad has arrested a lion for harassing a pregnant lioness who was craving for Tunday Kebabs.
— Ankit Jain (@indiantweeter) March 25, 2017
By defaming Romeo, Adityanath has lost 2019 for BJP. Shakespeare fans will never vote for BJP now.
— Liberal Of New Delhi (@LiberalsOfDelhi) March 24, 2017
Why Anti-Romeo yaar BJP?
— Aastha Varma (@AasthaVarma) March 23, 2017
Anti Majnu, Anti Ranjha kyu nai? Like we have a rich culture and history in this regard :P
UP Police is equipped with powerful iris scanner invented at RW labs. They can look into ur eyes, scan it & confirm u are a Romeo or not
— James Wilson (@jamewils) March 24, 2017