Social Buzz: Row over SP leader’s ‘vote jihad’ remark, wordplay with ECI, and more

Here's a look at some of the issues or posts that are buzzing on social media today.

Maria Alam Khan addresses a public meeting at Farrukhabad in Uttar Pradesh

As India moves towards third phase of voting, scheduled on May 7, political parties are leaving no stones unturned to outdo each other in their campaigns both on real and virtual spaces. Here’s a look at some of the issues or posts that are buzzing on social media today.

SP leader’s ‘vote jihad’ remark

A video clip of Samajwadi Party leader Maria Alam Khan went viral on social media on Tuesday with people bashing her in the comments over her ‘vote jihad’ remark in her speech. In the video, from a public meeting in Farrukhabad — a constituency which Maria’s uncle Congress leader Salman Khurshid had represented twice, she was heard urging people to do ‘vote jihad’ because “we can only do vote jihad to oust the Sanghi government at the Centre”.

The video drew considerable flak from X users, including BJP leaders. Taking to X, BJP spokesperson said both the manifesto and manifestation of INDI alliance have imprints of ‘Muslim League’.

INDI Alliance says Elections need Vote (votebank ) Jihad

We consider elections to be a pious festival, they take it as Jihad

We request Janta support , they seek Jihadi support

First Jihadis ke saath (SP,Congress,RJD,etc) now they do Jihad ki baat

From Muslim league… pic.twitter.com/NgmlAUcfMR

— Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) April 30, 2024

Another BJP spokesperson from Uttar Pradesh Rakesh Tripathi too reacted Maria’s ‘vote jihad’ remark, terming it a ‘divisive’ tactic employed by the Opposition alliance.

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Khurshid, who was also present at the meeting as the chief guest, was asked to comment on the statement of his niece. He said generally he stays away from using such words because its literal meaning is misinterpreted. “Jehad means to fight against a situation. Her intention must have been to carry out vote jihad to protect the Constitution,” PTI quoted him as saying.

Congress highlights ‘rising inequality’ in latest video

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi continued to target the Congress, by warning people about the opposition party’s alleged ulterior motive to ‘snatch’ wealth and gold from the public, the Congress, in its latest video, claims under the BJP regime, the poor’s share was taken away to benefit the rich. The video highlights the ‘inequality’ that has risen in past 10 years, and promotes that only the Congress party can bring the poor’s share back in the poor’s hands.

गरीब का हिस्सा – गरीब के हाथ

हाथ बदलेगा हालात ✋🏼 pic.twitter.com/lfBi5g2nJD

— Congress (@INCIndia) April 30, 2024

Wordplay with ECI

As we gear up for third phase of elections in 94 Lok Sabha seats spread across 12 states and Union Territories on May 7, the Election Commission has a game for us all. It’s a wordgame with a matrix of letters posted by the Election Commission of India on X.

Decipher 🔍 the electoral code through this #wordplay with #ECI‘ – Hunt for states going to poll in Third Phase 🤠

Hint: There are 12 such states in the puzzle

Comment the first 3 terms that you find 👇#ChunavKaParv #DeshKaGarv #Elections2024 pic.twitter.com/5QIcOsGzrM

— Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) April 30, 2024

The task is to find names of at least 3 of the 12 states and Union Territories hidden in the word puzzle. It’s a part of the the election regulating body’s campaign to spread awareness about voting and the entire electoral process here.