Social Buzz: ‘Raj and Simran’ feature in EC post, a TMC-BJP spat over ex gratia to tornado-hit people, Rahul Gandhi’s auto ride

Here's what all about elections are trending on social media today.

EC's post featuring Raj and Simran's iconic scene from DDLJ; Rahul Gandhi rides an auto in Wayanad.

With just days left for the Lok Sabha elections to kick off, social media is abuzz with a flurry of memes, videos and anecdotes that capture the mood of this diverse poll-awaiting country. As the parties go all out with their high-octane and vitriolic campaigns, they are leaving prominent imprints on social media as well. Here’s a handful of what is trending today on social media.

After ‘Family Man’, EC ropes in ‘Raj and Simran’ to spread their word

The Election Commission on Monday took to X to urge people to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming elections. Participating the meme culture, they roped in ‘Raj’ and ‘Simran’ — the iconic characters of 1990’s blockbuster Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge to spread the word. Sharing a still of the last scene of the movie where Raj helps Simran to board a running train, the poll-regulating body wrote: “Even Raj and Simran are going to vote ! Are you ready too?”

Even Raj and Simran are going to vote ! Are you ready too?

चलो मतदान करें हम ।#ChunavKaParv #DeshKaGarv #LokSabhaElections2024 #SaathChalenge pic.twitter.com/UF6mVv8YbY

— Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) April 14, 2024

Rahul Gandhi rides an auto

Wayanad saw its MP Rahul Gandhi campaigning in an auto-rickshaw today. In a video of the same shared by the Congress party, Gandhi was seen interacting with the driver, asking him about his fuel expenses and income.

Posting the video from its official handle, the Congress party wrote: “While campaigning in Wayanad, Rahul Gandhi engages in a conversation with an auto driver. He shares the Congress’s vision behind the ‘Shramik Nyay’ scheme, promising a secure future for every hardworking Indian.”

While campaigning in Wayanad, Shri @RahulGandhi engages in a conversation with an auto driver.

He shares the Congress’ vision behind the ‘Shramik Nyay’ scheme, promising a secure future for every hardworking Indian.

📍Wayanad, Kerala pic.twitter.com/IOdLXQ3KFL

— Congress (@INCIndia) April 15, 2024

Previously too, Gandhi had grabbed eyeballs when he interacted with automobile mechanics and lent a hand in the work. He had also created a buzz on social media when he dressed up like a coolie at a railway station, and carried luggage on his head as he engaged in a chit-chat with the porters.

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TMC vs BJP over ex gratia and building grant to tornado-affected people

Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress and the BJP in West Bengal warred it out on social media over ex gratia and building grant to people affected by a tornado that wreaked havoc in Jalpaiguri and Maninaguri earlier this month. The BJP claimed the EC granted an exemption for payment of ex gratia and house building grant from Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and the message was conveyed to the West Bengal government on April 9.

“You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can not fool all of the people all of the time.”

The renowned pair of Pathological and Congenital Liars of West Bengal think that they will keep on lying and the People of WB will… pic.twitter.com/cAxDZeUpfg

— Suvendu Adhikari (Modi Ka Parivar) (@SuvenduWB) April 15, 2024

Sharing the EC’s letter to the Principal Secretary, West Bengal, along a video clip of Abhishek Banerjee’s election campaign from April 12 — where he claims “the EC did not grant the state a permission” to dispatch the monetary aid to the effected, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari alleged that Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banrejee are busy maligning the EC.

Hitting back, the Trinamool Congress accused the BJP leaders of “indulging in disruptive propaganda”. Then they listed out a series of “truths” about the EC’s permission.

Instead of being on the ground and assisting those in need, BJP leaders are indulging in DISRUPTIVE PROPAGANDA. You read Suvendu Adhikari’s rambling essay, now here’s the truth:
👉 The “release of EX-GRATIA” that @ECISVEEP permitted entails an amount of assistance ranging between… https://t.co/6HKeIb1gus pic.twitter.com/57fmjo1yKv

— All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) April 15, 2024

Day after PM Modi’s visit to the town, Manipur’s Churachandpur sees violent protest

India5 hr ago

Protests in Manipur's Churachandpur turned violent as two men were arrested for damaging decorations for PM Modi's visit. The crowd demanded their release and attempted to storm the police station. The men were eventually released after a bail hearing. The incident occurred after a clash between locals and police on Thursday, but the situation had calmed down before Saturday's visit.

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