Himalaya Harbinger National Bureau.
In a recent exchange of words, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his assertion that 140 crore Indians constitute his family. Ramesh, dubbing the last decade under Modi’s rule as an “anyaay kaal” (era of injustice), criticized the government’s handling of persistent issues such as inflation, unemployment, economic instability, and polarization.
“If 140 crore Indians are PM Modi’s family members, then why has he done injustice to them? The last 10 years have been ‘anyaay kaal’ for his own family,” said Jairam Ramesh, addressing the concerns of the citizens.
Ramesh portrayed the Prime Minister as a marketing persona, labeling himself a “Vishwaguru” (World Teacher), and emphasized the need for respectful behavior from a democratically elected leader. “He sits there just for marketing and rebranding. We respect the post of the Prime Minister, but if a person demands respect, he needs to behave respectably,” Ramesh added.
The verbal exchange intensified when Prime Minister Modi responded during a public event, countering criticism from the INDIA bloc. Modi emphasized his commitment to the country, stating, “I have left home not for myself but for the country. My family is this country, 140 crore countrymen. Jiska koi nahi wo bhi Modi Ke hai aur Modi unka hai.”
This exchange was triggered by RJD patriarch Lalu Prasad Yadav, who stirred controversy by questioning the PM’s Hindu credentials and criticizing him for not having a family of his own. “You (PM Modi) don’t have a family… You are not even a Hindu,” remarked Yadav during a rally.
In response to Yadav’s remarks, BJP leaders, including Amit Shah, JP Nadda, Smriti Irani, and Anurag Thakur, incorporated “Modi ka parivaar” (Modi’s family) into their social media handles. This campaign, reminiscent of the “main bhi chowkidar” narrative in 2019, aims to counter the Congress’s “chowkidar chor hai” slogan ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections.
As political tensions rise, these verbal jabs reflect the intensifying rhetoric in the lead-up to the elections, with both major parties seeking to establish their narrative and sway public opinion.
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