Congress president Rahul Gandhi's decision to test the poll waters in Kerala's Wayanad besides Amethi in Uttar Pradesh has taken the social media by storm with reactions pouring in profusely—from political seniors to laymen. His candidature, that came after days of speculation, has already got its share of praise and criticism.
However, what didn't go unnoticed is a section of right-wing extremists who vehemently took to Twitter to spark off a majority-minority debate over Rahul's choice. A plethora of Twitter handles, apparently of right-wing sympathizers, has posted a video clip to rake up the 'mini-Pakistan' nomenclature which they have often used to describe the southern state.
The video clip shows a group of activists of the Indian Union Muslim League, along with Congress workers, celebrating the candidature of Rahul in Wayanad. What irked the saffron brigade is the green colour of the IUML flag which, at a glance, takes after the Pakistan national flag.
"This celebrations with green Islamic Flags is from Rahul Gandhi's new LS constituency #Wayanad in Kerala Scared to lose in Amethi, he picks a seat which is like a mini Pakistan..Which he is sure to win Such a man wants to be PM of India with 90 cr Hindu nationalists," tweeted one Ritu, whose over one lakh followers include a senior BJP MP.
Over the last two days, the micro-blogging site has witnessed a downpour of tweets analysing the demography of Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency where Muslims and Christians form a considerable chunk of the population. The parliamentary seat in the tribal district include seven assembly segments—Kalpetta, Mananthavady, Sulthan Bathery, Thiruvambady, Nilambur, Eranad and Wandoor.
"PM candidate is contesting from which seat, it shows his mentality. PM Modi is Contesting from oldest City Kashi which is centre of Hindu Culture. RG is contesting from #Wayanad, which has Muslims majority & Hindu minority. Now it's up to Bharat, Which PM they want," tweeted Prashant Patel Umrav.
“By opting to contest from the Muslim dominated #Wayanad constituency, our #janeudhari Instant Brahmin @RahulGandhi made it amply clear that his viceral hate for Hindus & Congis Minority appeeasement! Sad that Many HINDU VOTERS still clinging on to @INCIndia. Party for Minorities,” tweeted one user.
Hitting back at these fanatic tweets, Congress leader Shama Mohamed wrote: “Wayanad is a constituency with 48.6% Hindus & 28% Muslims. Being from Kerala, I can vouch for this. That said, what does it matter what the demographic is? Doesn't PM #Modi consider Muslims a part of India? I am very hurt by the comments made by the PM today.”
On Sunday, Rahul's choice of Wayanad had elicited mixed reactions in the political circle with the Left being critical, the BJP sarcastic and the regional parties guarded in their takes. BJP chief Amit Shah on Sunday said Rahul “fled” to Kerala as he was scared of a defeat in Amethi.