PM Narendra Modi to Bid Adieu to His Social Media Accounts

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is known for his active presence on social media on Monday, announced that he is thinking of giving up his Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube account leaving social media users wondering. PM Modi has not explained the reason behind the post.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is among one of the most followed world leaders on social media with 53.3 million followers on Twitter, 44 million on Facebook, 35.2 million on Instagram and 4.5 million on YouTube.

Since taking office in 2014, the Prime Minister has not held a single press conference and has always boosted himself on communicating directly with the people of the country through social media.

On Monday post 9 a.m. he made this announcement that he is thinking of quitting social media, when he posted “This Sunday, thinking of giving up my social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube. Will keep you all posted,” within an hour the post amassed over 65,000 likes, 42,000 replies and 22,000 retweets on Twitter, besides triggering intense speculation.

Since joining Facebook and Twitter in 2009, PM Modi has been highly active online, as every single post of his garner more than thousands likes and comments.

Though sometimes he has also been criticised on social media for avoiding important issues, in recent times the violence in Delhi that drew his first response after three days of rioting.

He has also attracted criticism on social media as his followers and supporters on social media are often accused of vicious online trolling, criticizing oppositions and others on various issues of indifference.

Recently, all the social media platforms have come under severe scrutiny in India over the hate speeches and incendiary remarks inciting violence over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

This Monday when Prime Minister tweeted, that he is considering leaving social media, the post was simultaneously shared on Instagram and Facebook, also drew a series of reactions including bewilderment, dismay and an endless stream of sarcastic replies from the oppositions.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tweeted, “Give up hatred, not social media accounts”. While his party colleague Shashi Tharoor also an active social media user suggested it could be the first step towards a greater effort of censorship in India. Tharoor wrote, “The PM’s abrupt announcement has led many to worry whether it’s a prelude to banning these services throughout the country too. As @narendramodi knows well, social media can also be a force for good & for positive & useful messaging. It doesn’t have to be about spreading hate”.

Some of his followers speculated that the move has something to do with ‘Women’s Day’ that will be observed this year on Sunday. But a large number of reaction came from his supporters urging him to reconsider his thoughts, as #NoSir became the top trend on Twitter with more than 40,000 tweets.

One of the supporters wrote, “Why sir? this is the only way to be in touch with you. We know that you are pained with the recent situation but please don’t do this. We all know that this phase will go. You are our supporter. We got strength from you. You are our biggest inspiration.”