In a sharp critique that has sparked debates across political circles, Congress MP Tariq Anwar has questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s soaring social media popularity. Speaking exclusively to IANS in New Delhi, Anwar dismissed the PM’s recent milestone of 100 million Instagram followers as artificial and bought.
The controversy erupted amid tensions in Shimla, where Delhi Police and Himachal Pradesh Police clashed while attempting to arrest Youth Congress workers. Anwar defended the protesters, emphasizing they were merely exercising their democratic rights during an AI summit. ‘These young men didn’t commit robbery, rape, or murder,’ he stated firmly. ‘They simply demonstrated peacefully, yet Delhi Police treated it with undue seriousness.’
Anwar highlighted procedural lapses, noting that police from one state typically inform local authorities before making arrests elsewhere. He questioned why Delhi Police rushed to Shimla without coordination, escalating what should have been a routine matter.
Turning to social media, Anwar’s barb was pointed. ‘Everyone knows how followers are boosted on platforms like Instagram,’ he remarked. ‘These are fake numbers, not a true reflection of popularity.’ He linked the perceived decline in Modi’s appeal to recent India-US deals, predicting time will reveal the real public sentiment.
The MP didn’t stop there. He condemned Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane’s remarks on madrasas as ‘poisonous rhetoric’ against Muslims. On Israeli PM Netanyahu’s praise for Modi, Anwar called it standard diplomatic courtesy. Finally, endorsing the court’s view on NCERT textbook changes, he alleged a conspiracy to discredit India’s judiciary through schoolbooks.
As political temperatures rise ahead of key events, Anwar’s outspoken comments underscore deepening Congress-BJP rifts on governance, rights, and image-building.