New Delhi: #ModiInsultsIndia is top trending on Twitter since Tuesday morning amid much anger on the social media site over Prime Minster Narendra Modi’s comments in speeches he made in Shanghai and Seoul.
The hashtag is at the top of India trends on Twitter with nearly 85,000 tweets around it.
The PM had said in Shanghai, China, on Saturday, “Earlier, you felt ashamed of being born Indian. Now you feel proud to represent the country. Indians abroad had all hoped for a change in government last year.”
Saturday, May 16, was the first anniversary of the spectacular victory that PM Modi and his BJP posted in the national elections.
In Seoul, South Korea, he said yesterday, “There was a time when people used to say we don’t know what sins we committed in our past life that we were born in Hindustan. Is this any country, is this any government…we will leave.”
In both cities the PM was addressing receptions hosted by the Indian community during his three-nation foreign tour.
The hashtag has also climbed to number two on worldwide trends as many sought to remind the PM that their pride in being Indian has nothing to do with which political party is in power.
And regardless of who the PM is or which party is in power..I will always be a proud Indian Mr @narendramodi ! #ModiInsultsIndia
– (@Komal_Indian) May 19, 2015
Ppl may dislike many things happening in India.Go abroad for better opportunities.But they’re NOT ashamed of being Indian. #ModiInsultsIndia
– Tinu Cherian Abraham (@tinucherian) May 19, 2015
Respected PM, when you are on a foreign tour, do remember that you are representing a nation, not your political party. #ModiInsultsIndia
– Dipankar #LDL (@deep_anchor) May 19, 2015
There are those who have attempted to defend the PM, who is still away on his tour of three Asian countries, though they are heavily outnumbered:
#ModiInsultsIndia keep harping for the next 9 years min., losers. My PM will keep working harder and harder for the country’s development.
– Anirudh (@eaniman) May 19, 2015
Propaganda against a good man has limit.It can’t undone the good work done by an individual.I am not proud indian if I say #ModiInsultsIndia
– swami prasad atwal (@swatwal75) May 19, 2015
Leaders of rival parties, particularly the Congress, are periodically tweeting around the hashtag, to keep the momentum going:
#ModiInsultsIndia is a worldwide top trend because it has offended the sensibilities of every Indian. A national disgrace beyond description
– Sanjay Jha (@JhaSanjay) May 19, 2015
India was not ashamed despite your shenanigans in Gujarat. India is more, much more than you can ever understand #ModiInsultsIndia
– Pawan Khera (@Pawankhera) May 19, 2015