In a move that ignited a major political controversy, the Congress party on Monday deleted a social media post that had targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of being “missing” from crucial national conversations. The now-deleted post had featured an image of a silhouette with the word “Gayab” (Hindi for “missing”), along with a list of issues on which the Congress claimed the PM had remained silent.
The post, which appeared on the official Congress handle on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), sparked immediate outrage from BJP leaders and supporters, who slammed it as disrespectful and misleading.
BJP Reacts Sharply
Top BJP leaders, including party spokespersons and union ministers, condemned the Congress post. Sambit Patra, national spokesperson for the BJP, called it a “cheap attempt” to grab attention and said it reflected the opposition’s lack of serious leadership.
“This is not political criticism. It is a tasteless attempt to divert public attention. Congress is losing relevance and is relying on memes instead of a meaningful vision,” Patra said in a press conference.
Congress Faces Internal and External Heat
Sources from within the Congress party indicated that the decision to take down the post came after both internal deliberations and external criticism, with some leaders feeling that the post could be misinterpreted or used against them during the ongoing election campaign.
While Congress maintained that the post was meant to raise valid questions about the Prime Minister’s accountability, they also acknowledged that the tone of the message may have overshadowed its intent.
“Our focus should be on real issues—jobs, inflation, and farmer welfare. The message may have been right, but the format wasn’t,” said a Congress leader on condition of anonymity.
Political Context: Elections in Sight
The controversy has unfolded just as India prepares for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, making social media a battleground for sharp messaging and political narratives. Both the BJP and Congress have intensified their digital campaigns, hoping to engage voters, especially the youth, who are active online.
This incident reflects the increasingly confrontational tone of Indian political discourse, where memes, hashtags, and viral visuals often overshadow detailed policy debates.
Historical Parallels
This is not the first time the Congress party has taken down a post following a backlash. In 2023, the party had to clarify its stance on a controversial meme that targeted another senior BJP leader. Similarly, the BJP too has faced criticism in the past for aggressive online content targeting opposition leaders.
Conclusion
The deletion of the 'Gayab' post targeting PM Modi highlights the fine line political parties must walk in the digital age—balancing sharp critique with public sensitivity. As election campaigns heat up, it is clear that social media will remain a key tool in shaping voter perception and political momentum.
