Prime Minister Narendra Modi has kicked off his election campaign, and many of his speeches are raising eyebrows. In an election rally in Jammu and Kashmir, Modi said Pakistan wants him to lose the Lok Sabha elections.
“Pakistan is praying that the 'chowkidar' should somehow lose the elections so that this mixture of sorts comes to power in Delhi,” he said referring to the Opposition facing him in the polls.
In another rally in Odisha, he slammed the Opposition for asking for proof of the Balakot strikes.
“Its been a month and Pakistan is still counting bodies. When India takes action against terrorists, enters their home and kills them then some here ask for proof.”PM Narendra Modi in Odisha
And in an interview to a TV channel, he made an insensitive remark about Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman who was captured by Pakistan and later, released.
He said, “When the Abhinandan incident happened, every party in the country should have said that we are proud of the air force for shooting down an F 16. But instead, they were concerned about Abhinandan’s return.”
Apart from the fact that he barely addressed ground issues in his rallies, the attempt to shift the narrative towards Pakistan is being seen as a petty and desperate attempt to secure votes.
‘Petty Mindset’
The statement on Abhinandan was received with shock and sadness on Twitter.
CPI(ML) leader Dipankar Bhattacharya alleged that earlier Modi had tried to take credit for Abhinandan’s release, now he is afriad that he won’t get credit.
BJP was earlier criticised for using Abhinandan’s image in their campaign posters.
Some accused the PM of having a ‘petty’ mindset. “What use is an alive pilot, one dead pilot is worth 15 lakhs,” said another Twitter user.
There were also comments that Modi is grasping at straws to ensure he gets votes.
“Get the PM to talk about development,” advised one Twitter user.
Twitterati also took a jibe at Modi's use of the nationalism narrative. “Don’t ask questions, just be proud. Patriotism is not just loving the nation, but loving every citizen of the country,” explained journalist Rohini Singh.
Others echoed her thought.
Not just political parties, the general public of the country were also concerned about Abhinandan, reminded Twitter users.
Journalist Abhisar Sharma said it seemed like Modi did not want Abhinandan back.
‘Excessive Pakistan Rant’
The mention of Pakistan in almost every campaign speech did not go well with many on Twitter.
“Looks like despite being in power for five years, Narendra Modi has really nothing worthwhile to show as achievement,” said journalist Manimugdha Sharma.
There were also opinions that Modi is going overboard with the Pakistan rant. “BJPs biggest strength this election , will also be it's biggest weakness (sic),” said one Twitter user.
If he believes what he is saying, why isn’t he taking action against them as a good Chowkidar should, asked military historian and national security analyst Mandeep Singh Bajwa.
It does look like PM Modi is basing his chances of re-election on the recent tensions with Pakistan. And that too, very early on in the election campaign. But how far will he be able to ride on the Indo-Pak issue and side-step other concerns like unemployment and agrarian distress?
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