PM trolled on Twitter for 'Somalia comment'
What's the story
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was trolled on Twitter for comparing the coastal state to Somalia at a recent election rally. Hashtag #PoMoneModi, a famous line from Mohanlal's popular Malayalam film, which when loosely translated means 'Go Back Modi', trended from Wednesday morning. While some Twitter users produced statistics comparing Kerala's achievements with those in Modi's home state Gujarat, others resorted to humor.
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Kerala state elections
Kerala faces state elections and will go to polls on 16 May. BJP has been trying to get a foothold in the state which has been traditionally ruled by either the Congress or a coalition of left parties. BJP heads a third front
8 Mar 2016
PM compares Kerala with Somalia
PM Narendra Modi, who was used as BJP's star campaigner in Kerala, compared the state, ranked first in Human Development Index, to underdeveloped Somalia while addressing an election rally in Kasargod. The PM said, "unemployment rate in Kerala is at least three-times higher than the national average." "Infant mortality rate among the scheduled tribe community in Kerala is worse than Somalia," he remarked.
10 May 2016
CM Chandy says Modi insulted Kerala
Taking offence to PM's remarks, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, in a strongly-worded letter, hit back at PM Modi, saying he has insulted the state. Chandy asked the PM to show some "political decency" by withdrawing his remark. "Is it not a shame for the Prime Minister to pronounce that a state like Somalia exists in the country?" wrote Chandy.
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Chandy highlights Kerala's economic and human development
Responding to Modi's remark that Kerala had lagged behind in various growth indicators including health and education, CM Chandy said Kerala was above national average in terms of economic growth and human resource development for the past five years.
11 May 2016
BJP state president backs Modi's remarks
BJP state president, Kummanam Rajasekharan countered CM Chandy alleging various welfare laws for the SC/ST communities were not being implemented in the state. "For the benefit of SC/ST brothers, many laws made by the Central government are not being implemented in Kerala. Isn't this an insult to the state," Rajasekharan said. He added that Chandy invoked Malayali pride only with an eye on polls.