New Delhi, Mar 22 (IANS): In another gaffe within a fortnight after assuming office, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Tirath Singh Rawat said the "United States ruled India for 200 years".

It was the third comment in a week for which Rawat has been trolled.

Earlier, Rawat was trolled for his comment on ripped jeans and equating Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Lord Ram.

"Who knows what would have happened to India had anyone else been the Prime Minister instead of Narendra Modi during this time. We would have been in a bad state. But the Prime Minister has gave us relief," Rawat said.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister said: "As compared to other countries, India is managing Covid 19 crisis better. America, who ruled us for 200 years and ruled the world, is struggling during pandemic. Over 3,75 lakh people died in USA. In Italy, having best health facility in world, lost over 50 lakh people lives and heading for another lock down."

Rawat further stated that Prime Minister Modi worked to save us and people also followed his (Modi) instructions of wearing masks, sanitising, washing hands and following social distancing.

"Just another BJP leader reminding us about the value of quality education," Congress party office tweeted.

Samajwadi Party leader Juhie Singh asked, "America colonised India for 200 years ?When?".

Rawat, who assumed office on March 10, faced criticism for his ripped jeans comment and was badly trolled on social media. Girls and women from all age groups flooded social media with pictures of them wearing ripped jeans.