Narendra Modi: The Coolest Dictator Who Loves Memes?

In an unexpected turn of events, the man often labelled a “dictator” by his critics, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, embraced a spoof video depicting him dancing during the heat of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Narendra Modi, considered by some as the world’s first dictator who likes memes, expressed his amusement. Narendra Modi stated, “Like all of you, I also enjoyed seeing myself dance. Such creativity in peak poll season is truly a delight! #PollHumour.” This reaction came hours after a similar spoof video mocking West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee went viral on social media.

Crackdown on Mamata Meme in West Bengal

In stark contrast to our coolest PM’s lighthearted response, the Kolkata Police swiftly cracked down on those sharing the Mamata Banerjee meme. They demanded that a social media user disclose their identity after the spoof video went viral, warning that failure to comply could result in legal action under Section 42 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). The video in question was an AI-generated spoof showing Mamata Banerjee dancing on stage.

BJP Slams Selective Enforcement

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) sharply criticised the Kolkata police’s actions, highlighting the selective enforcement of laws. Amit Malviya, the head of the BJP’s IT Cell, stated that the state police have “more pressing issues on hand, rather than act like Mamata Banerjee’s doormat.” Malviya also urged the Election Commission of India to take note of this “voter intimidation by Kolkata Police,” drawing parallels with a previous incident where the state police targeted a university professor for sharing a cartoon of Mamata Banerjee on WhatsApp.

Jibe at Mamata’s Humorless Approach

The BJP’s Bengal unit took a jibe at Mamata Banerjee’s humourless approach, contrasting it with our coolest PM’s embrace of political humour. They posted on X, “Two sides of the coin: PM finds joy in the video, while Mamata’s police resort to threats and deletion over a similar tweet.” The party urged the Kolkata Police to “grow up!”

Praise for PM’s Coolness

Actor Anupam Kher, husband of BJP MP Kirron Kher, praised our coolest PM’s reaction, reposting Modi’s post and saying, “Jai Ho!” Meanwhile, BJP’s Mandi candidate, Kangana Ranaut, commended Modi for “taking a chill pill,” a trait often lacking in his political opponents. Ranaut stated, “Mamta didi ji, this is called taking a chill pill. You should also be like this sometimes.” Y You are always angry; you are ready to send kids to jail who made your dancing video meme. How uncool of you!! Sorry to say, but you are too uptight, rigid and uncool.”

Selective Enforcement in West Bengal

The Cyber Crime division of Kolkata Police sent a notice to two X users, @SoldierSaffron7 and @Shalendervoice, for sharing the spoof video of Mamata Banerjee. The police warned them, “You are directed to immediately disclose your identity including name and residence. If the information sought is not revealed, you shall be liable for legal action u/s 42 CrPC.” While @Shalendervoice took down the post, the video remained on @SoldierSaffron7’s handle, highlighting the selective enforcement of laws in West Bengal.

Questioning the Need for Freedom of Expression

Social media users reacted strongly to the police’s notice, questioning the very need for freedom of expression when selective enforcement and political humour reign supreme. One user wondered, “What kind of a way is this for the police to threaten a common man? Will the police threaten a meme video maker like this? The police should not forget that everyone has freedom of expression.” Another user mocked the police, saying, “Sir do you run anticipatory services for offensive posts too? Like I can take clearance prior to posting something in order to avoid legal action later!”

While our coolest PM embraces political humour, even from those who label him a “dictator,” the crackdown on memes in West Bengal raises questions about the selective enforcement of laws and the value placed on freedom of expression in certain parts of the country.