New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “thinking” aloud about leaving social media Monday evening sent everyone into a tizzy, with reactions and pleas asking him not to abandon his avid fans — as well as some wild speculation on the reason for this sudden ‘break’.
Here is the PM’s surprise announcement and his biggest critic’s advice.
This Women's Day, I will give away my social media accounts to women whose life & work inspire us. This will help them ignite motivation in millions.
Are you such a woman or do you know such inspiring women? Share such stories using #SheInspiresUs. pic.twitter.com/CnuvmFAKEu
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 3, 2020
Give up hatred, not social media accounts. pic.twitter.com/HDymHw2VrB
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 2, 2020
BJP Mahila Morcha social media in-charge Priti Gandhi begged PM Modi to think twice…
Humko mitta sake yeh Social Media Platforms mein dum nahin…
Humse Social Media Platforms hain…Social Media Platforms se hum nahin. ??#NarendraModi #NoSir
— Priti Gandhi – प्रीति गांधी (@MrsGandhi) March 2, 2020
There were humorous responses too—here are brand consultant Ramesh Srivats and writer Faysal.
I have a mild suspicion that Baba Ramdev is going to announce a new social media platform this Sunday. https://t.co/dNwg40CDMw
— Ramesh Srivats (@rameshsrivats) March 2, 2020
https://twitter.com/_Faysal/status/1234502395524210690?s=20
Then midday Tuesday, when the suspense was unbearable, the PM revealed his real intention….
This Women's Day, I will give away my social media accounts to women whose life & work inspire us. This will help them ignite motivation in millions.
Are you such a woman or do you know such inspiring women? Share such stories using #SheInspiresUs. pic.twitter.com/CnuvmFAKEu
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 3, 2020
Once again, Rahul Gandhi was on hand with an acid comment — and advice.
Dear @PMOIndia,
Quit wasting India's time playing the clown with your social media accounts, when India is facing an emergency. Focus the attention of every Indian on taking on the Corona virus challenge.
Here's how it's done..#coronavirusindia pic.twitter.com/jLZG5ISjwt
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 3, 2020
Congress leader Jaiveer Shergill is greatly relieved that the PM wasn’t abandoning social media but you’ll never guess why...
ThankGod PM is not leaving Social Media, for a moment I got upset coz if he leaves how will I get to know about new Yoga techniques?About birthdays of PMs/Presidents all around world ?About qualities of mangos?About clouds blocking fighter jet communications?Sir “tussi na jaoo”?
— Jaiveer Shergill (@JaiveerShergill) March 3, 2020
Many women responded to the PM’s tweet with suggestions on who “inspires” them.
.@narendramodi ji one suggestion pls give your social media account to the Unnao rape victim who survived many attacks from leaders who are apparently in your party. She is brave and she deserves to tell her story. https://t.co/U2y1zSSWXv
— Sushmita Dev (@sushmitadevinc) March 3, 2020
Women have repeatedly asked you to unfollow the handles that abuse them, threaten rape, bully and troll. If you care about women's rights, this women's day would be a great opportunity to do this. https://t.co/13ohFu3yG8
— Rituparna Chatterjee (@MasalaBai) March 3, 2020
https://twitter.com/soniafaleiro/status/1234749668602585088?s=20
Yes. I do know a truly inspiring & brave woman.
Rana Ayyub. @RanaAyyub #SheInspiresUs https://t.co/tB1JZDPer8
— Maria Memon (@Maria_Memon) March 3, 2020
In other news, Union Minister Giriraj Singh retweets news of how to withstand and cure coronavirus the Indian way.
Cow dung, urine can treat coronavirus, claims BJP legislator from Assam https://t.co/GWpCHvHDps via @DNA Web Team
— Shandilya Giriraj Singh (@girirajsinghbjp) March 3, 2020
And Aaj Tak anchor Rohit Sardana asks Ramdev for an answer to the virus—what else but asanas and om vilom…
हाथ मिलाने से फैलेगा कोरोना?
मोबाइल छूने से फैलेगा कोरोना?
गले मिलने से फैलेगा कोरोना?
कोरोना पर हर सवाल का जवाब @yogrishiramdev के साथ.
अब कोरोना से ‘दंगल’.
5PM, @aajtak पर.
— रोहित सरदाना (@sardanarohit) March 3, 2020