Modi-gamers ‘noob’ chat triggers political slugfest
E-word sets social media on fire, PM cites poll time, refuses comment
NEW DELHI: “If I say it (noob), you will assume it for a particular person,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday during an interaction with gamers who explained to him certain terminologies related to the gaming industry such as “noob” and “grind”.
As the prime minister’s remark set off a meme fest on social media, leaders of the ruling BJP seized the opportunity to taunt the opposition, triggering a political slugfest.
In a free-wheeling interaction with the PM about the future and challenges before the e-gaming industry, top Indian online gamers discussed with the prime minister certain terminologies used in the industry such as “noob”.
As they explained that “noob” is a reference to someone who is a newbie or not very skilled at a game, Modi said, “If I use this word during polls, people will wonder who am I referring to. If I say it, you will assume it for a particular person.”
While Modi did not mention any name, the reference triggered a political slugfest with Congress leader Pramod Tiwari slamming the prime minister over the remark.
“I don’t know who he is talking about but he is talking about an opposition member. Talking about someone who is educated at top universities... These are just political tactics of the BJP around the elections. This will backfire,” the Congress leader told reporters.
BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla took a swipe at the Congress, saying the reaction of the opposition party’s leader to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remark confirms who is actually the “noob” in politics.
“PM Narendra Modi did not name anybody but why are Congress leaders reacting and confirming ‘who is the noob in politics,” he said on X.
Bollywood actor and BJP candidate from Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi Kangana Ranaut posted a clip of PM Modi’s interaction with the gamers and asked, “Who is this Noob?”
The PM’s comment also triggered a meme fest on social media with several users asking “Who is the Noob?”