In a sharp political attack, the Indian National Congress has used a creative acronym inspired by a Bollywood classic to criticize the Narendra Modi-led central government. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh launched a scathing critique, accusing the administration of a pattern of behavior he summarized as 'Distort, Defame, Lie, Justify' (DDLJ).
The 'DDLJ' Allegation and Media Control Claims
Jairam Ramesh, the party's communications chief, leveled serious allegations against the government on December 5, 2025. He stated that the ruling dispensation consistently distorts facts, defames opponents, lies to the public, and then attempts to justify its actions. The clever dig references the iconic Hindi film 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge,' instantly making the criticism memorable in the public discourse.
Central to his accusation was the role of the media. Ramesh alleged that a section of the press, often referred to as 'godi media' (lapdog media), actively spreads false narratives that favor the government. He went further to claim that mainstream media outlets are being 'controlled' through coercion. The mechanism for this control, according to the Congress leader, involves the use of central investigative agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Probe Agencies as Tools of Pressure
Ramesh implied that cases filed by the CBI and ED against owners of media organizations are a primary tool for ensuring favorable coverage and silencing criticism. This, he argued, compromises the independence of the fourth estate and creates an environment where dissenting voices are stifled through the threat of legal and financial repercussions. The statement reflects a long-standing opposition charge that central agencies are being misused for political targeting.
Political Repercussions and Ongoing Narrative Battle
This verbal offensive is part of the intensifying political battle as parties position themselves on key national issues. By coining the 'DDLJ' phrase, the Congress aims to package a complex set of grievances into a simple, viral-ready slogan that resonates with the public. The attack focuses on the government's communication strategy and its relationship with the media, which remains a contentious topic in Indian democracy.
The allegations made by Jairam Ramesh are likely to fuel further debate in Parliament and on public platforms. They touch upon critical themes of media freedom, the impartiality of investigative institutions, and the nature of political discourse. The government has consistently denied similar allegations in the past, maintaining that agencies act independently within the legal framework. The Congress's latest salvo sets the stage for a renewed war of words between the ruling party and the opposition in the coming days.
