Ali had found the @PMOIndia Twitter handle vacant, applied for it and got it approved by the micro-blogging website on Tuesday for a short while unaware of the enormity of his act, for which he later apologised.
"I was just experimenting to get a better Twitter handle for myself and just by chance it crossed my mind to try @PMOIndia. I applied for it and also got it accepted on Tuesday," Qaiser Ali told PTI here.
A row had erupted on May 20 when the PMO Twitter handle was changed from @PMOIndia to @PMOIndiaArchive, automatically transferring its content and 1.24 million followers to the new account. Also, an independent Twitter handle @PMOIndia appeared after the PMO relinquished it.
BJP, which is set to assume power, strongly objected to the outgoing PMO's move to change the Twitter handle and said "it is a national digital" which should have been handed over to the new dispensation as it was.
"I created a social networking website at the age of 17 but no one speaks about it. This mistake has got me so much media attention, that I regret it," Ali said.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
