#unfollowTrollschallenge wave hits Modi, other BJP leaders

On Social Media Day, the Congress unleashed the #UnfollowTrollsChallenge asking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP leaders to unfollow people who are abusive on social media, especially against women.

Ms Radhika Khera, national media co-ordinator of the Congress, posted a message saying: “Lets all social media users take a pledge to keep the virtual world clean and abuse free. Start by nominating two people to unfollow abusive trolls (sic).” She tagged Mr Modi and finance minister Piyush Goyal.

Mr Modi has faced criticism for following abusive Twitter handles, including those who celebrated the murder of Gauri Lankesh and were involved in the social media assault of foreign minister Sushma Swaraj.

People have pointed that some of those Mr Modi follows have made derogatory remarks, sent out rape threats and death threats and indulged in communal incitement.

Mr Modi asked people to continue expressing and discussing freely.

He said, “Greetings on Social Media Day! The world of social media has played a key role in democratising our discourse and giving a platform to millions of people around the world to express their views and showcase their creativity (sic)”

He also added “I would particularly like to congratulate my young friends for their innovative usage of social media. Their frank method of conveying opinions is extremely endearing. I urge youngsters to continue expressing and discussing freely.”

On the other hand, the Congress also released a music video, inspired from the song “Let it be” by the music band The Beatles, a group of women have sung their own version of the song.