Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has drawn sharp criticism across social media platforms over his controversial phrasing regarding the deadly floods in Nepal.

Netizens took strong exception to his description of downstream areas as being "blissfully unaware of the drama that had taken place in the hills," terming the remark tone-deaf.

While the lawmaker attempted to convey the suddenness of the deluge, observers maintained that characterizing a fatal natural disaster as "drama" severely undermined the gravity of the tragedy.