Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday interacted with over 1 crore BJP workers in what the party says was the “world’s largest videoconference”. The timing of the political engagement, however, has been criticized as it comes amid heightened tension between India and Pakistan.
As part of the ‘Mera Booth Sabse Mazboot’ programme, Modi addressed party workers in 15,000 locations across the country on the party’s preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. .
As the Prime Minister was set to address this video conference, BJP members started showing their support by using the hashtag #MeraBoothSabseMazboot.
Interacting with crores of BJP Karyakartas across several locations. Watch. #MeraBoothSabseMazboot https://t.co/X5JmPo1wJE
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 28, 2019
मध्यम वर्ग को भड़काने और उकसाने की इनकी पुरानी आदत रही है। लेकिन आपने देखा होगा कि नोटबंदी के बाद उत्तर प्रदेश में चुनाव हुए वहां मध्यम वर्ग ने हमे अपार समर्थन दिया और ऐसे ही GST के बाद गुजरात में चुनाव हुए वहां व्यापारियों ने हमे अपना पूरा समर्थन दिया। #MeraBoothSabseMazboot pic.twitter.com/P2Z9NYQI6e
— BJP (@BJP4India) February 28, 2019
जब मन में इच्छा शक्ति हो, दृढ़ संकल्प हो, कुछ कर गुजरने का जज्बा हो, तो कुछ भी नामुमकिन नहीं है।
जब सरकार के लिए जन-जन का महत्त्व हो, जन सहभागिता को प्राथमिकता मिलती हो, तो कुछ भी नामुमकिन नहीं है : पीएम मोदी #MeraBoothSabseMazboot
— BJP (@BJP4India) February 28, 2019
Modi’s move, however, has been criticized by the opposition parties, including several prominent leaders from the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal also took on the PM for engaging in political activities when an IAF personnel is captured.
Congress took to Twitter and responded with #MeraJawanSabseMajboot, turning BJP’s hashtag into one for IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was captured by Pakistan on Wednesday.
Glaring case of misplaced priorities!
132 Cr Indians pray for safe & immediate return of India’s brave-heart Wing Comm, Abhinandan but Modiji desperate only for re-election.
Congress cancelled its imp CWC & Rally today.
Pradhan Sevak hell-bent on creating a Video Conf. record! pic.twitter.com/ulIMzA35Xv
— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) February 28, 2019
#RahulGandhi has conducted himself like a statesman. Narendra #Modi has been like a wannabe municipal corporator. #MeraJawanSabseMajboot
— Sanjay Jha (@JhaSanjay) February 28, 2019
#RahulGandhi has conducted himself like a statesman. Narendra #Modi has been like a wannabe municipal corporator. #MeraJawanSabseMajboot
— Sanjay Jha (@JhaSanjay) February 28, 2019
A clarity on the captured IAF pilot is expected in the joint briefing as there as been no official word from the government on his situation, while Opposition continues slamming PM Modi for campaigning amid tense situation between India and Pakistan.