As Priyanka Gandhi Vadra kicked off a roadshow in Lucknow on Monday, a group of about 500 Congress party workers dressed in pink uniforms had been gearing up to cheer for the politician since Sunday.

Calling themselves the “Priyanka Sena”, these workers were seen wearing pink t-shirts and pants which bore Priyanka Gandhi’s face along with the slogan:

“Desh ke samman mein,

Priyanka ji maidan mein,

Maan bhi denge,

samman bhi denge,

waqt padega toh jaan bhi denge”

(In honour of the country, Priyanka Gandhi is on the field / We pay our respects and if needed, will lay down our lives.)

Few members were spotted at the roadshow, as seen on videos being shared on Twitter.

Forget pink chaddis, this is the #priyanka sena in UP pic.twitter.com/We8Dw6GMOH — sunetra choudhury (@sunetrac) February 11, 2019

The “Priyanka Sena” had been around for a while, a member told India Today, but this was the first time they were wearing their pink uniforms. “We made pink sena because Priyankaji will represent all of India’s women, not just Uttar Pradesh’s,” a member added. “The pink colour signifies our fight against the misogyny and crimes women face in India.”

With the Priyanka Sena at the Nehru Bhawan, Luckhnow. It’s almost like a celebration here. pic.twitter.com/GuFuEswY4V — Sushmita Dev (@sushmitadevmp) February 10, 2019

And the Priyanka Sena is ready ... pic.twitter.com/dtbPFM6Si3 — pallavi ghosh (@_pallavighosh) February 10, 2019

Priyanka Gandhi, recently appointed the party’s general secretary in charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, was joined in the roadshow by her brother Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Uttar Pradesh West General Secretary Jyotiraditya Scindia and state chief Raj Babbar. The day-long roadshow began at the Amausi airport and is scheduled to end at the Congress headquarters in the city.

While photos and videos of the roadshow have taken over social media, the pink uniform predictably drew jokes and jibes. Some pointed out the ridiculousness of putting on the pink garb over other clothes. Another enthusiastic Twitter user made a thread connecting the army with all things pink, such as the antacid medicine, Gelusil.

Guess who designed their pink pants 👇🤣 pic.twitter.com/XMDxCy0nQT — Gita S. Kapoor (@GitaSKapoor) February 10, 2019

Hamari Sena ki Pink Bhains, UP give Priyanka Gandhi a chance. pic.twitter.com/mDpkIV0nc0 — Yo Yo Funny Singh (@moronhumor) February 11, 2019

Ranveer all set to join Priyanka Sena.. 😂 pic.twitter.com/wl4ZAoxDhQ — Keh Ke Peheno (@coolfunnytshirt) February 11, 2019

One user pointed out the sexist connotation of connecting the pink colour with women.

Priyanka seva but why pink ! Why should pink be for girls and blue for boys ? pic.twitter.com/OfyMDNTwA5 — pallavi ghosh (@_pallavighosh) February 10, 2019

Most of the scorn online appeared to be coming from Bharatiya Janata Party supporters. One user had an alternative idea for dressing up the Congress workers.

I thought the same. Why Pink? I would have liked #PriyankaGandhi sena in tricolour. Tirange Ke rang ki khooshboo hee alag hai. https://t.co/2ArouFnCAz — Sadhavi Khosla (@sadhavi) February 11, 2019

Elsewhere, there was a positive spin on the pink army.

It may seem funny or EXTRA for these burly men to be wearing pink jammies as supporters/fanboys of @priyankagandhi ji.However,I see a political evolution in society.A lot of women will spearhead politics & key policy making in India. It will be Glorious!pic.twitter.com/rPmn64pee2 — Zainab Sikander (@zainabsikander) February 11, 2019

The roadshow resulted in saturation television coverage with over-the-top commentary, which received some criticism.

Yes.correct observation.😁



All are hooked up on INC rally.



They(abp) are apologizing even for going on 2 min commercial breaks.



E24 has said "band mutthi lakh ki,khul gayi toh khak ki" & "turup ka ikka" at least x50 times.

(Not exaggerating).😸 — 🖲️ (@eknazaridharbhi) February 11, 2019