Bobby Jindal presidential bid sparks Twitter mockery

Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal's announcement that he is entering the Republican presidential race has become the subject of online mockery.

Mr Jindal launched his campaign with a call for a uniform US identity, saying he disliked Americans being identified by origin, ethnicity or wealth.

The hashtag #BobbyJindalisSoWhite began trending on Twitter after the launch.

The tweets poked fun at Mr Jindal's speech and alleged attempts to distance himself from his Indian heritage.

"We are not Indian-Americans, African-Americans, Irish-Americans, rich Americans, or poor Americans. We are all Americans," he told supporters.

Also a subject of ridicule was the fact that Mr Jindal railed against allowing "people to immigrate to this country so that they can use our freedoms to undermine our freedoms".

He added it was incumbent on migrants entering the United States to be "ready and willing to embrace our values, learn English, and roll up your sleeves and get to work".

The presidential hopeful had begun his speech with the words: "Forty-four years ago, a young couple who had never been on an airplane before left their home on the other side of the world to come to a place called America."

Indians online were not amused by his remarks.

The original hashtag #bobbyjindalissowhite was started by Indian-American comedian Hari Kondabolu, with a series of tweets. Following the success of the tag he said it was the most "satisfying thing" he had ever done.

Others chimed in, like Aasif Mandvi from the Daily Show.

The hashtag was also picked up in India, where it was among the country's top trends for much of the day.