Social Buzz: Rahul Gandhi relishes Chhole Bhature after poll rally, EC’s election ambassador campaign, and more

We take a look at what was buzzing on social media hours before polling day.

In the social buzz today: Rahul Gandhi's post poll rally detour and EC's election ambassadors. (Photo: X - @INCIndia, @ECISVEEP)

A day before polling, the Election Commission ramped up its online hashtags to urge the public to get out of their homes and vote. Phase 5 of the Lok Sabha elections is all set to witness a number of high-profile candidates’ fate being sealed. Those in fray include Rahul Gandhi, Smriti Irani, Rajnath Singh and many more.

With the campaigning for the 49 seats going to polls on Monday having ended on May 18, all political parties and their leaders have relegated themselves to social media. This includes posting some behind the scenes after election rallies, pitching for their candidates or taking digs at the other parties’ nominees.

We take a look at what was buzzing on social media hours before polling day.

Rahul Gandhi relishes Chhole Bhature after election rally in Delhi

After addressing the INDIA bloc rally at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi made a “quick detour” and visited an eatery in the National Capital to enjoy a platter of Chhole Bhature and Aloo Tikki. During the meal, Rahul also shared his memories of having aloo tikki from a shop near his school and answered some rapid fire questions.

दिल्ली के लोग ❤️
दिल्ली का जायका 👌 pic.twitter.com/ofHDvJlsQn

— Congress (@INCIndia) May 19, 2024

When asked what he liked most about Delhi, Rahul answered, “I like the chaos, I like the history. I like the monuments, the people…” The Wayanad MP also interacted with some of the youth present at the diner, saying he had decided to “eat unhealthy” for a day.

ECI’s #MaiBhiElectionAmbassador

The EC, with its new hashtag, made it easy for all voters to become election ambassadors. With its #MaiBhiElectionAmbassador campaign, the poll body announced prizes for people who participate in its hashtags.

#MaiBhiElectionAmbassador 😎 this interesting meme entry from RO Markapuram 👑

Let’s join the celebration of #ChunavKaParv 🥳 and be our Election Ambassador 😎#DeshKaGarv #LokSabhaElections2024    #ElectionAmbassador pic.twitter.com/nlkWZSsMG4

— PIB in Jammu Kashmir & Ladakh (@PIBSrinagar) May 19, 2024

These themes that voters can use for their posts include — sharing the experience of voting, Saath Chalenge, voter awareness — showcasing the diversity of the electorate and the ‘election wala celebration’. The EC has also shared some memes, as well as videos of rallies in support of increasing polling numbers.

#MaiBhiElectionAmbassador 😎 the Pink Rally on Scooty has launched to hit the polling stations on 20th May!🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️

Join the celebration of #ChunavKaParv 🥳 and be our Election Ambassador 😎#DeshKaGarv #LokSabhaElections2024 #ElectionAmbassador pic.twitter.com/Knx8ojF6ka

— Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) May 19, 2024

Prominent among them was the ‘Pink Rally on Scooty’, with women on their scooters holding placards and driving to polling stations to increase voter awareness.

AAP alleges BJP launching ‘Operation Jhaadu’

Hours after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party had launched ‘Operation Jhaadu’ targeting the Aam Aadmi Party, the party took to social media platforms to provide visibility to #BJPkaOperationJhaadu.

BJP का Operation झाड़ू‼️

👉 AAP के नेताओं को गिरफ्तार करना
👉 हमारे Bank Account को सीज करना
👉 AAP का दफ़्तर ख़ाली करके हमें सड़क पर ले आना

तानाशाह, तुम्हारे हर मंसूबे को नाकाम करेगी देश की जनता 🇮🇳💯#BJPkaOperationJhaadu pic.twitter.com/0PKY89IAwn

— AAP (@AamAadmiParty) May 19, 2024

Taking to X, AAP alleged that under this operation, the saffron party was arresting its leaders and seizing their bank accounts. The party also claimed that the BJP wanted to empty AAP’s offices and bring them on the streets.