Chai-wala-Modi 'joke' on Twitter turns into a political storm

A galaxy of Union Ministers have plunged into the Twitter war lambasting Youth Congress 'meme' on Mr Modi and the episode has certainly left the Congress party on backfoot.

"Congress has once again displayed its anti-poor mindset through such tweets. Upcoming elections will be another reality check for them," tweeted Railway Minister Piyush Goyal.

Union minister JP Nadda tweeted: "A tweet can be deleted but not the mentality which brands masses as 'Cattle class' and 'Mango people'. They can't fathom a 'Chaiwala' leading the nation. Gujarat Shall Answer!!."

Another Union Minister, Ravi Shankar Prasad, also wasted no time to drag Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi into the thick of the controversy.

"Madam Sonia Gandhi & Mr Rahul Gandhi do u still believe that only u have a divine right to rule India? Country expects ur response on the tweet of the youth Congress, which is shameful & insulting to poor. U can delete the Tweet but ur thinking towards the poor stands exposed," Mr Prasad tweeted.

The BJP leaders' terse remarks through micro blogging site actually refer to a meme - posted by Youth Congress through Twitter handle @Yuva Desh - that sparked off row. The posting - that was also deleted quickly - contained photographs of PM Modi, US president Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Theresa May. 

Mr Modi is seen telling the two global leaders about the opposition's memes targeting him. He mispronounces the word as "mainmain". Donald Trump corrects him, saying the word is pronounced as "meem", while Ms May tells Mr Modi 'Tu Chae bech' - "You go and sell tea". 

Congress chief spokesman Randeep Surjewala also tweeted saying, "Congress strongly disapproves and rejects such humour through memes. Differences on policy and opinion aside, Congress culture imbibes respect for PM and all political opponents."

In a tweet, Amarinder Singh Raja, Youth Congress chief, also has sounded defensive. "Although the handle @Yuvadesh is being run by youth volunteers and not by @iyc, we do not approve of such humour and apologise. Despite political differences with the BJP & having suffered everyday abuse from their leaders, we respect the Prime Minister & all political opponents".

A tweet also followed from Yuva Desh: "Sincere apologies Raja Sir. As directed by you, the tweet has been deleted. Will ensure that the mistake does not happen again".

The Congress going defensive on the episode  seems to be more guided by the campaign BJP had launched in 2014 to underline the point that Narendra Modi has been a "self-made man". 

"This meme episode has turned a crucial plot. In 2014, the anti-poor remarks cost Congress. Why they had to do it again is their business. But it will be a political handle," a BJP leader said.