On Saturday, Anurag Kashyap joined the chorus of Twitterati trolling the BJP over random people offering things for calling on the number BJP had set up for expressing one’s support to CAA.
Taking to Twitter, Kashyap wrote: “Kya baat hai Amit Shah Saheb. Ek hi number dono ke pass. Side business hai ya apka Amit Malviya aur BJP ka ya phir logon ko banaya ja raha jo aap logo karte aa rahe ho?”
BJP became the subject of online ridicule after the number they had offered to support CAA became the subject of various shady endeavours.
Looking for a good time, a free Netflix subscription or even to track down a down a lost phone?
Why simply dial 88662-88662!
The internet, always ready with bizarre information, now abounds with people who simply want you to call the number. And the benefits, if we do say so ourselves, sound wonderful. Of course, provided they are true.
Having called the number given (and been disappointed on all counts), we can say that the callers in question have now, in all probability, also been registered as CAA supporters.
Which brings us to the send point: what is this number truly for?
Well, for all intents and purposes it is a number you give a missed call to, in order to register your support for the Citizenship Amendment Act.
According to a report by PTI on January 3, the BJP has released a toll free number (8866288662) for the public to give a missed call to register their support for the Act.
"This campaign is aimed to do away with misgivings about the CAA. People can give a missed call to toll-free number 8866288662 and extend their support to the new law," said BJP leader Anil Jain while speaking to media in New Delhi.
"We are taking steps to eliminate confusion regarding the CAA. We will connect with 3 crore households on the same," he added.
It should be noted that as part of the campaign senior leaders as well as elected representatives will reach out to the people in 'door to door' campaigns and explain to them the provisions of the CAA.
Now, we don't really know who had started this trend, but we must appreciate the ingenuity involved. Twitter seems to agree, with many having a good laugh over the posts.
Interestingly enough, on posts which promise perks such as free Netflix subscriptions, many of the commentators seem to be ecstatic that "it worked". And while we're not sure how, or even whether they are part of the promotional bandwagon, we remain curious.
So, what are these perks that a multitude of netizens claim calling 8866288662 will bring you?
