Row over Modi following some twitter users mischievous: BJP


Team Udayavani, Sep 8, 2017, 10:40 AM IST

New Delhi :  The BJP today dismissed as “farcical and fake” the row over Prime Minister Narendra Modi following some twitter users accused of making objectionable comments over journalist Gauri Lankesh’s murder, and and said it shows selective approach to right to freedom of expression.

In a statement, BJP’s IT department head Amit Malviya termed the row a one-way street, saying opposition leaders like Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi or AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal are “never questioned” for behaviour of their followers. Modi following a person is not a “character certificate” of a person and is not in anyway a guarantee of how a person would conduct himself.

“He is a rare leader who truly believes in freedom of speech and has never blocked or unfollowed anyone on Twitter. We have multiple examples of leaders curbing free speech on social media, including the previous PMO handle,” he said. The PM still follows Parthesh Patel, “a former BJP volunteer who joined the Congress and abused the PM in the worst possible language,” he said.

The controversy is “mischievous and contorted”, he said, adding that Modi is the only leader who freely engages with people on social media platforms. “Rahul is never questioned for the abuse by Tehseen Poonawala, who also happens to be his relative. “Kejriwal is never questioned for the abuse and rape threats his supporters shower on others. Thus, this debate is not only farcical and fake, but also an exhibit of selective right to freedom of expression,” he said in a statement.

Modi, Malviya said, also follows Rahul Gandhi, who is an “accused in loot and fraud” and also follows Kejriwal, who “abused” him on Twitter and “told a woman ‘settle kar lo’ when she complained of a party member molesting her”. Malviya said Modi follows “normal people” and frequently interacts with them on various issues.

Some twitter users had yesterday posted abusive comments targeting the slain journalist. The prime minister was criticised for allegedly following some of them on Twitter from his personal handle.

Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.

Top News

Women centric schemes game-changer for Maharashtra, Jharkhand?

AR Rahman sends notice to ‘slanderers’ over speculations surrounding separation with Saira Banu

No anti-government sentiment in Kerala, claims CM Vijayan

Jaiswal’s Perth Simulation: 200 overs in 2 days, inclined concrete slab, lighter synthetic balls

PCB says no meeting with ICC, BCCI officials on November 26 to resolve CT imbroglio

Australia coach McDonald surprised about behaviour of wicket on Day two

Sharad Pawar: Assembly poll rout raises question of existence for patriarch’s political legacy

Related Articles More

Women centric schemes game-changer for Maharashtra, Jharkhand?

No anti-government sentiment in Kerala, claims CM Vijayan

Maharashtra poll results unexpected, incomprehensible: Uddhav Thackeray

Delhi Police constable stabbed to death in Govindpuri, one held

BJP snatches one Lok Sabha seat from Congress; Maharashtra win boosts Rajya Sabha majority prospects

MUST WATCH

Prakash Belawadi

Naxal Leader Vikram Gowda

Christmas Cake Fruit Mixing

DK Shivakumar

Rose Cultivation


Latest Additions

Satwik, Chirag doubles pair bows out of China Masters semifinals

Puttur: Two arrested for misconduct under influence of drugs

Kaup: Massive campaign and awareness rally Nov 26 for Constitution protection

Never entered into pact to operate airport in Kenya: Adani

Women centric schemes game-changer for Maharashtra, Jharkhand?

Thanks for visiting Udayavani

You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.