An enthusiastic ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ can go a long way in deflecting tough questions, BJP candidates have demonstrated. The latest example is that of BJP candidate from West Delhi, Parvesh Sahib Singh. While addressing villagers in the constituency, one young man in the crowd asked Sahib Singh what he had done in five years for the constituency.
In a video of the incident, Singh is seen caught off guard. In the absence of a proper answer, he tried to deflect the question by making small talk but when the crowd insists on an answer, he is seen asking the villagers to shout Bharat Mata Ki Jai.
The video was shared by many as an example of how BJP leaders dodge important questions with the nationalist rhetoric. Aam Aadmi Party leader Saurabh Bharadwaj tweeted the video saying “Pravesh Sahib Singh Verma miserably fails to answer, deflects to Bharat Mata ki Jai.”
“You ask BJP questions about real issues, in reply they will talk about nationalism, because they have done nothing,” said one Twitter user.
YouTuber Dhruv Rathee also shared the video and said it is “a perfect description of the quote – Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel.”
This is not the first time BJP leaders are resorting to the Bharat Mata slogan to evade questions. While rallying for wife Kirron Kher in Chandigarh, a reporter asked Anupam Kher about the allegations against his wife. “There are allegations that your wife used the five years to further her career in Bollywood. What do you say to that?” to which Anupam Kher easily said, “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”.
BJP’s tendency to intimidate and evade with Bharat Mata Ki Jai was questioned on Twitter. “This summarises the whole election campaign,” Twitterati said.
Some Twitter users joked that BJP has evolved from ‘Chaliye Puducherry ko Vanakkam” to “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”.
There were jokes about Akshay Kumar’s response to questions about him not voting. “At least he doesn't respond with a standard Bharat Mata Ki Jai!” said Twitter user The DeshBhakt.
Maybe it is time BJP came up with more solid answers than standard rhetoric. Nationalism can’t hide real issues forever.
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