New Delhi: PM Modi is being mocked on social media for his remarks that he had asked the Air Force to carry out Balakot airstrike in bad weather as his “raw wisdom” said a cloud blanket would help the Indian fighter planes to escape Pakistani radars. The denizens of social media were left wondering how PM Modi could make such an inaccurate statement and pointed out that there could have been no bigger insult of scientific temper on National Technology Day. The Prime Minister’s quote was shared on the official BJP and BJP Gujarat Twitter pages, only to be deleted later.
In the tweet, PM Modi had explained how his inputs helped execute the operation. “At around 12, we had second thoughts about the entire thing,” he said, adding, “We had doubts if we would be able to go.” “I said the overcast conditions could actually help. This weather and rain could help our aircraft escape the radar.” The remarks triggered a troll-fest on all social media platforms. “@narendramodiji some humble advice from a citizen. Science is real. Please consult someone qualified before you speak, so that you don’t embarrass India in the eyes of the world,” said composer and singer Vishal Dadlani.
It was also pointed out that national security is not something to be trifled with; PM Modi’s statement would suggest that important decisions like air raids are based on erroneous assumptions; also, they show our IAF as an ignorant and unprofessional force. ‘‘Such an irresponsible statement from Modi is highly damaging. Somebody like this can’t remain India’s PM,” said CPM’s Sitaram Yechury. Wondering if they think like this in Somalia too, pointed out one. Highly unlikely, pointed out another. Humour apart, the comment also ignited a debate on IAF and defence experts being overruled on such a critical operation, with some alleging a hasty job for votes (Why the rush? Electoral bonanza?). The government, pointed out many, had given the military a free hand in choosing the time and place of retaliation after Pulwama. ‘‘Voila meet India’s own Napoleon-statesman/general. Surely, the Air Chief knew radars are not hampered by clouds and Pakistan radar did spot the Indian planes…’’ tweeted former diplomat KC Singh.
Someone on Twitter was reminded of the 2001 Bollywood film, Lagaan, where a villager in pre-Independence India searches for clouds after months of drought. With obvious sarcasm, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah posted a screenshot of BJP Gujarat’s then deleted tweet. “Looks like the tweet got lost in the clouds. Luckily there are screenshots floating around to help.” Stand-up comedians also added their flavour. “He’s (Modi) one step away from saying he was the pilot…,” comedian Kunal Kamra tweeted. “Modi … will ask ISRO to send a Spacecraft to Sun during night because it will be cooler,” another wrote. “Don’t know whether to laugh or cry. We elected him. The joke’s on us,” a user said. The unsolicited advice was: Try to distinguish a binoculars from a radar.
