A recent social media incident has stirred significant debate after an X user, Neha Singh Rathore, shared a video featuring edited clips of prominent Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mahatma Gandhi, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, dancing to Bhojpuri songs. Rathore, who identifies as a nationalist, social activist, and public speaker, condemned the videos, questioning the intentions behind their creation.
In her post, Rathore expressed outrage over the edited footage, highlighting the efforts made by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for the honor and empowerment of women in Uttar Pradesh. “How can some cheap street reelers use Yogi Ji for a few views?” she questioned, criticizing those behind the videos. She further remarked on the inappropriate use of footage featuring revered figures like Mahatma Gandhi and PM Modi for what she termed “cheap popularity.”
उत्तर प्रदेश के लोकप्रिय यशस्वी मुख्यमंत्री योगी आदित्यनाथ जी महाराज अपने राज्य की बेटियों एवं बहनों की मान सम्मान, नारी सशक्तिकरण और सुरक्षा के लिए बहुतेरे प्रयास किए और प्रयासरत भी हैं,
लेकिन, कुछ चिंदी चोर सड़क छाप रिलर चंद व्यूज के लिए योगी जी का किस कदर इस्तेमाल कर रहे है… pic.twitter.com/HgAI1dzVwB
— Neha Singh Rathore || नेहा सिंह राठौड़ (@imrowdy_rathore) September 24, 2024
Rathore’s post also called upon the Ballia police to take swift action against those responsible for the videos, asking, “When will action be taken against this cheap street reeler?”
Following Rathore’s complaint, an FIR has been registered against unknown individuals under sections of the Information Technology Act. Praveen Singh, the head of the media cell at Cyber Thana, lodged the complaint. Additional Superintendent of Police Anil Kumar Jha assured the public that the police are actively investigating the matter and legal actions will follow against those found culpable.
This incident isn’t the first time Prime Minister Modi has engaged with memes and edits on social media. During the recent Lok Sabha elections, he positively responded to a humorous animated meme of himself dancing, saying he enjoyed seeing himself in such light-hearted content. Modi remarked, “Such creativity in peak poll season is truly a delight! #PollHumour,” showcasing his appreciation for humor in political discourse.
The unfolding events have ignited discussions on the ethics of editing public figures’ images and the potential repercussions for creators of such content. As the investigation proceeds, many are watching closely to see how authorities will address this unique intersection of social media and political representation.
