Indians up in arms after Modi replaces Gandhi in state-issued calendar

Calendars and diaries issued by government-owned Khadi Village Industries Commission (KVIC) in India have replaced Mahatma Gandhi’s cover photograph with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s, and it has not gone down well with people.

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Gandhi’s photographs featured on the calendars for decades. The khadi company’s use of Gandhi’s photographs reflected its values and the country’s history. However, this year the calendars saw Modi weaving 'khadi' in a 'charkha' (a traditional spinning wheel) in the classic Gandhi pose -- a symbol of the nationalist movement in pre-independent India.

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Considering the act 'shameful,' some criticised the move, while others saw it as a good marketing strategy. Khadi workers have now revolted and are reportedly marching in protest of the move. Some have even called for 'reprinting' of calendars.

Modi, who stormed to power in 2014 in the biggest election victory in 30 years, has long played up his humble roots as the son of a railway station tea seller.

But he has also been accused of self-aggrandisement and being out of touch -- he auctioned a controversial tailored suit in 2015 that bore his name in gold pinstripes.

Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said the row over the calendar had been overblown. His minister of micro, small and medium enterprises, Kalraj Mishra, said there was no question of Modi or anyone else replacing Gandhi.

This article originally appeared on Mashable.