PM Modi Under Fire for Following Offensive Social Media Accounts
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has faced renewed criticism for following Twitter accounts associated with hate speech and offensive behavior. Despite previous concerns raised in Parliament and public discourse, Modi continues to follow users known for derogatory remarks against women, minorities, and opposition leaders.
Controversial Twitter Handles Followed by PM Modi
Several of the individuals followed by the prime minister are known for inflammatory language and offensive comments. These accounts frequently target political opponents, women, and minority groups, contributing to an environment of online hostility.
Kuldeep Singh
A self-proclaimed nationalist, Singh’s Twitter handle is filled with offensive comments about various individuals, including actress Swara Bhasker. On January 1, 2016, after making a derogatory comment, Singh was followed by PM Modi. His account often features lewd and inflammatory statements about opposition parties.
Ankit Dubey
Identifying as a supporter of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Dubey has made numerous offensive comments about minority Muslims, particularly during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Despite this, PM Modi followed him on New Year’s Day.
Shreyansh
This user often posts obscenities and inappropriate comments, particularly against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Despite his controversial posts, Modi also follows Shreyansh’s account.
Concerns Raised in Parliament
The issue of PM Modi following individuals involved in hate-mongering has been raised in Parliament. On February 6, 2017, Trinamool Congress MP Derek O’Brien brought up this matter in Rajya Sabha, criticizing Modi’s choice to follow such accounts. Despite these public concerns, the prime minister continues to engage with these users on social media.
This is not the first time the prime minister has been linked to problematic social media behavior. After the murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh in 2017, several users celebrated her death online. One of these users, Nikhil Dadheech, was followed by PM Modi, sparking outrage and widespread criticism.
Although the issue was brought to light, it has not altered the prime minister’s social media approach.
Social Media Management Concerns
Many are questioning the strategy behind the prime minister’s social media interactions. Critics have raised concerns about the vetting process used by his team, wondering if proper checks are conducted before following users who are involved in online harassment and hate speech.
The ongoing issue of PM Modi’s social media associations has generated significant debate, with many demanding greater transparency and responsibility in how public figures engage with online platforms. The prime minister’s continued association with offensive accounts has raised concerns about the broader implications for political discourse in India.