Congress red-faced after Yuva Desh's "chai-wala" meme mocks PM Modi
As Gujarat goes to polls next month, Congress has thrust itself into a new controversy. The official Twitter handle of Youth Congress' online magazine 'Yuva Desh' posted a meme mocking PM Narendra Modi as a "chai-wala." Twitterati pounced on Congress and slammed them for their "elitist mindset." Though the tweet was removed, it could damage the Congress' reputation. What is the entire controversy?
What was Yuva Desh's meme about PM Modi?
Yuva Desh posted a meme of PM Modi, US president Donald Trump and UK PM Theresa May. The dialogue blurbs show PM Modi mispronouncing "meme." Trump corrects his pronunciation, and UK's May dismisses him saying "go and sell tea." During his 2014 campaign, Modi asserted that he had sold tea when young to support his family, stressing his credentials of being a self-made man.
BJP pounces on Congress for being "classist" and "anti-poor"
Subsequently, BJP slammed Congress for being anti-poor. Law minister Ravi Shankar tweeted that Congress' arrogance and anti-poor stand get exposed. He contended "Madam Sonia Gandhi and Mr Rahul Gandhi, do you still believe that only you have a divine right to rule India?" Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani tweeted, "This blatantly classist and anti-poor Tweet by the Youth Congress shows their mindset towards India's poor."
Congress attempts to distance itself from the controversy
The tweet was later deleted and Congress attempted damage-control. Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said "INC strongly disapproves and rejects such humor through memes. Differences on policy and opinion aside, Congress culture imbibes respect for PM and all political opponents." Youth Congress Chief Amrinder Singh Raja said this handle was not run by Youth Congress but by its volunteers, blaming them for this faux pas.
Meanwhile, Congress is known for such self-goals
However, Congress representatives have mocked Modi earlier. During 2014 LS elections, senior leader Mani Shankar Aiyar said,"Modi will never become the country's PM. But if he wants to distribute tea here, we will find a place for him." This had provided BJP lot of ammunition against Congress. Congress will hope that this tweet doesn't have the same effect on the electorate as Mani's comment.
