This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions or concerns about this article, please contact indiasupport@huffpost.com.

The Indian Army Apparently Rejected A 23-Year-Old Because He Has A Modi Tattoo On His Chest

Ouch.
An Indian army officer (R) measures the chest of a youth during a recruitment rally in Bhopal.
Reuters Photographer / Reuters
An Indian army officer (R) measures the chest of a youth during a recruitment rally in Bhopal.

Two years ago, when Narendra Modi was campaigning ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, a 23-year-old from Madhya Pradesh's Tikamgarh district became a huge fan of him.

So, he decided to get himself inked with Modi and Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's name.

The tattoo, on his chest, read, "Jab tak sooraj chand rahega Shivraj mama aur Modi ka naam rahega".

Nope, wasn't a good idea.

Saurabh Bilgaiyan has now alleged that he got rejected by the Indian army because of his tattoo, reports Times Of India.

"I was not dropped for lacking in any department, but for a tattoo," he told ToI.

Bilgaiyan failed to join the Army even after trying five times.

He said that officials rejected him after they saw the tattoo during chest measurement. Now, he wants to meet Modi and Chouhan and ask them for help.

Perhaps, Bilgaiyan did not read the Army manual. Last year, the Indian Army put out a notice on its website for its aspiring candidates. In a document titled 'Tattoo policy for candidates appearing for SSB interview with permanent body tattoos' lists out the various places where a candidate can have a tattoo and what kind of a tattoo is acceptable.

The notice says that a tattoo will be permitted only if it is on your forearm or below your knuckles.

However, there is only an exception for candidates belonging to the tribal community.

Also see on HuffPost:

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions or concerns about this article, please contact indiasupport@huffpost.com.