In the alt-fact-ridden world of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, simple criticism from the Opposition translates into a “fatwa” — a religious order issued by an Islamic leader.
What Congress president Rahul Gandhi recently said: “Narendra Modi starts every speech with ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ but works for Ambani. He should start his speeches with ‘Anil Ambani ki Jai, Nirav Modi ki Jia, Mehul Choksi ki Jai, Lalit Modi ki Jai’. How can you forget farmers when you speak of Bharat Mata?”
What Narendra Modi heard: “Congress has come up with a ‘fatwa’ that I should not begin my rallies with ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’. How can they deny this? They must be ashamed of even saying such a thing. This shows their disrespect for our motherland.”
Social media, of course, was quick to point out PM Modi’s duplicity, and the fact that he, once the supposed harbinger of “development” has now completely stopped talking about “vikas” and “achhe din”.
What PM Modi heard – Congress has come up with a “fatwa” that I should not begin rallies with “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”… How can they deny this?
What RG actually said –
Has UNESCO declared our PM as the best liar in the World yet ? pic.twitter.com/4rdrDrYiuX
— Saral Patel (@SaralPatel_) December 4, 2018
Development in 2018!! https://t.co/wbvUB6TY5T
— Mahesh Langa (@LangaMahesh) December 4, 2018
I hereby, retrospectively retract all advice I gave to people, online or offline, that they must respect the office of the PM.
When you have a liar like this holding office, the office itself is worthless. https://t.co/YOb6Z5a9pU— Sachin Tandon (@cugwmui) December 4, 2018
रंगा जी आज गांजा के साथ भांग भी चढ़ा लिये है
नसा दिमाग पर चढ़ गया है https://t.co/cKPdoLkI1z
— Lalu Prasad Yadav (@ModiLeDubega) December 4, 2018
Sir, Vikas came by. He says he feels completely ignored by you. https://t.co/I5KX8HHibx
— अंशुल (@Ghair_Kanooni) December 4, 2018
Bhai Narendra, Mr @RahulGandhi did NOT issue “fatwa”. He did NOT ask you to stop saying #BMKJ
He brought out your deviousness behind chanting that slogan.
And u know it.
But your habit of being a “dedh-shana” & treating the citizens as fools, made u spin it.
Ab nahi chalega https://t.co/tVXEmnxNbX
— Farmer (@RURALINDIA) December 4, 2018
Some decided to issue their own “fatwas” as well.
The nation issues a fatwa that the PM should not be taking time off from his PM duties for political rallies at all. https://t.co/CJSCeQ62KB
— Farid (@ExpertAnalystix) December 4, 2018
Dear @PMOIndia women issue a “fatwa” that you stop following incitement, rape & death threat making handles. Please comply https://t.co/Uvn8YLu8Mg
— Swati Chaturvedi (@bainjal) December 4, 2018
The obvious conclusion was, of course, this: Narendra Modi knows he cannot win elections without resorting to divisive politics.
Can he even hope to win without playing this Hindu-Muslim game. https://t.co/krzm3MRHky
— Tufail Ahmad (@tufailelif) December 4, 2018
Also read: PM Modi Lies Yet Again, Twists Rahul Gandhi’s Speech And Gives it a Communal Colour