Don’t resort to arguments, respond to your opponents with facts and figures, PM tells his micro-blogging army
New Delhi : ‘‘I also get abused by many, did I ever block anyone or retort?’’ questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi while stressing on the need to utilise the benefits of social media.
The PM was interacting with a select group of 100-odd members of the social media who have been active in supporting him and the BJP for long. The netizens, selected with care, on the basis of their record on micro-blogging sites, were clearly told never to hurl abuses or block anybody. Respond to your opponents with facts and figures. Don’t resort to ‘tu-tu, main-main’, was PM Modi’s mantra to his soldiers of the virtual world.
The interaction comes after internal feedback in the BJP that the aggression and commitment of Modi’s internet Sena has waned after his becoming the Prime Minister.
To drive home his point, Modi gave his own example how he had been subjected to abusive tweets and allegations many time daily. However, he preferred to continue with his work by engaging with everyone instead of blocking them. ‘‘Think positive and move on,’’ was the solution he said.
Without naming anyone, the PM told his social media army that there was a section in this country whose sole aim was to build up an agenda against him and the party. ‘‘Let them do their job’’, he quipped.
Underscoring the growing importance of social media platforms, PM Modi asked all those present to derive maximum benefits from them. ‘‘Twitter now sets the agenda for prime time and if the medium is allowed to be misused by some people — that would really bad’, he reportedly told the members.
Social media has been one of the strongest platforms harnessed by Narendra Modi in his political journey. Not only did he beat his rivals during his election campaign, but has constantly maintained direct communication with people in India and abroad after becoming Prime Minister. It is due to Modi’s thrust that all departments of the central govt are active in social media and other web platforms.
Smita Mishra
