'Chowkidar is now synonymous with patriotism & honesty': PM Modi in address to watchmen

Mar 20 (AZINS) Expanding BJP's "Main Bhi Chowkidar" campaign, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday interacted with 2.5 lakh watchmen as part of a new campaign.

The BJP launched the "Main Bhi Chowkidar" campaign to blunt Congress President Rahul Gandhi's "Chowkidar Chor Hai" slogan, targeting Modi over alleged corruption in the Rafale deal

Addressing watchmen in various parts of the country through audio, Modi attacked the Congress president and said, "Some people are abusing 'chowkidar', bringing every watchman under the cloud. They lacked guts to name me."

He said the Congress president has insulted people working as guards and asserted that the word 'chowkidar' has now become synonymous with patriotism and honesty. Modi said his rivals lacked guts to name him and attack him directly and instead resorted to targeting watchmen.

"I want to apologise as some people in last few months for their vested interests have run a disinformation campaign against 'chowkidars'. It is unfortunate that the language of these people has hurt you," Modi said.

"They are saying 'Chowkidar Chor Hai' (watchman is a thief). They want to abuse me. Naamdaar (dynasts) have a habit to spread hate against those who believe in work and they will continue to insult them even if somebody becomes a prime minister," the Prime Minister said during in the programme during which he took questions also.

"However much they call us thieves, let us not be scared," he said, adding, "Gali ko gehne banaiye (make ornaments out of abuses)."

Referring to his 'Mai Bhi Chowkidar' campaign, he told the watchmen, "You must have noticed that these days everywhere it is you who is being discussed, be it TV or social media, be it in India or abroad. Today every Indian is saying 'Main Bhi Chowkidar'. This campaign is now the flavour of the season."

With the prime minister often projecting himself as the country's 'chowkidar', Gandhi had coined the "chowkidar chor hai" (watchman is thief) slogan to allege corruption in the Rafale deal, a charge denied by the government.

Known for his innovative political campaigns, Modi recently launched a "Main bhi chowkidar" (I too am watchman) drive on social media to turn the tables on the Congress.

The BJP claimed that Modi interacted with over 25 lakh watchmen.

Lauding the watchmen for doing their duty religiously despite the vagaries of weather, the Prime Minister said he has great respect for them and that inspired him to take up the 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' campaign.

Reiterating that his government will not spare the corrupt, Modi said: "Our job is like yours. I am a 'chowkidar.' There are some people who want to ruin the country. If no one keeps a watch, they will take advantage. But, when a 'chowkidar' is keeping a watch, they are reined in."

Responding to a question about Balakot air strike, Modi slammed those who have been raising questions over the action.

"Everyone should be proud of our armed forces. They sacrificed their lives for all of us. These 'tukde-tukde' gang cannot digest the fact that the armed forces carried out the air attack deep inside Pakistan," he said.

"When bombs were dropped in Pakistan, some people were shouting in India... Vaar Pakistan me hua, bimar Hindustan me hua (attack took place in Pakistan, trouble was felt in India by some people). How can the nation tolerate this," the Prime Minister said, making a veiled attack on those raising questions over the air strike.

While slamming the Opposition, he said their statements on the Balakot strike created headlines in Pakistan.

"Their words are being heard in radio and are being published in newspapers there. Even in their Parliament, their statements (Opposition) are being endorsed," he said.