Modi unleashes 'main bhi chowkidar' to counter Cong

Seeking to blunt Rahul Gandhi’s 'Chowkidar Chor Hai' jibe, BJP on Saturday unveiled a 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' campaign featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi and people from across the country guarding their homes.

Modi posted a three-minute video on this Twitter handle showing him mingling with children after the Independence Day address, speaking at election rallies, taking out roadshows and showcasing a diverse line-up of people as a song 'Haan, main bhi chowkidar hoon' (Yes, I am a watchman too) plays in the background.

“Your Chowkidar is standing firm & serving the nation. But, I am not alone. Everyone who is fighting corruption, dirt, social evils is a Chowkidar. Everyone working hard for the progress of India is a Chowkidar. Today, every Indian is saying-#MainBhiChowkidar,” the prime minister said.

Simultaneously, BJP unveiled the 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' merchandise – T-shirts, badges and caps – on its website as well as the NaMo APP.

Through the campaign, the BJP is hoping to capitalise on the 'chowkidar chor hai' jibe hurled at the Prime Minister by Congress President Rahul Gandhi.

In the run-up to the 2014 elections, the BJP had responded to Congress leader Manishankar Aiyar's 'chaiwala' jibe at Modi by launching a 'Chai pe Charcha' campaign where Modi interacted with people over a cup of tea.

An interaction on similar lines is planned as part of the campaign later this month.

Congress was quick to hit back at Modi's fresh campaign, with Rahul wondering whether the Prime Minister was already feeling “guilty”.

“A defensive tweet Mr Modi! You feeling a little guilty today,” asked the Congress President and posted a collage of images of the Prime Minister and controversial businessmen such as Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi, Anil Ambani with 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' written in bold letters.

Modi, during the 2014 elections, had appealed to voters to elect him as a 'chowkidar' (watchman) of national interests and not as a prime minister.

Seeking to turn the tables, Rahul has often used the term 'chowkidar' to attack the Prime Minister on a number of issues, particularly over the allegations of corruption in Rafale deal.