New Delhi, June 14 (IANS) Union Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani and Bihar Education Minister Ashok Chaudhary on Tuesday indulged in a verbal duel on Twitter, triggered by the use of 'dear' word by Chaudhary.

Irani objected to Chaudhary's tweet when he taunted her about the new National Education Policy's progress.

Both Irani and Chaudhary were trolled by the twitterati for their "unhealthy remarks" throughout the day. "Dear Smriti ji spare some time for education policy too if you get time from speech and politics," Chaudhary said in a tweet that kicked off their face-off on the social media.

Irani responded by expressing displeasure for being addressed as 'dear'.

"When did you start addressing women by using dear Ashok ji?" asked Irani.

"Not to disrespect but educate... professional emails start with "dear". @smritiirani ji kabhi mudde pe jawab dijiye (please reply on the issue) don't circle around it," said Chaudhary.

"@AshokChoudhaary sir I hope you do find time in your busy schedule to contribute to the education policy. Await state feedback," said Irani in her next tweet.

"@smritiirani "Thx for the high honor, glad to know delivery and non-delivery of NEP (National Education Policy) is on me. Hope Modi ji shares the credit with me too," said the Bihar minister.

The union minister, who was in Bihar on Tuesday, neither met Chaudhary nor Education Secretary of Bihar.

According to her none of the two could spare time to discuss the policy.

"@AshokChoudhaary we invited sir neither minister nor secretary education turned up. Entire proceedings were videographed. Plz," said Irani in another tweet.