Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday directly responded to mounting criticism and online mockery from opposition parties regarding videos and social media reels that depict his interactions with children during public engagements. Speaking at a significant public event in Kerala's capital city of Thiruvananthapuram, the Prime Minister acknowledged the taunts but firmly stated his refusal to ignore or insult genuine affection from young supporters.
Heartwarming Moment at Kerala Rally
During his address in Thiruvananthapuram, PM Modi noticed a young child standing with hands raised high, holding a portrait of the Prime Minister. Demonstrating immediate concern and warmth, PM Modi told the child, "You will get tired. Bring me the picture, write your address on the back, I will write to you. I urge the SPG to bring me this child's love." This spontaneous interaction highlighted the personal connection the Prime Minister seeks to establish with young admirers across the nation.
Acknowledging Social Media Criticism
Continuing his speech, PM Modi openly acknowledged that whenever he travels across India, young people and children frequently express their feelings for him with remarkable warmth and enthusiasm. He recognized that such heartfelt moments often face ridicule on social media platforms, where critics dismiss them as "drama" or create mocking reels to undermine their authenticity.
"I know that wherever I go across the country, many young people and children express their feelings with great affection," the Prime Minister stated during the Thiruvananthapuram rally. "I am also aware that after this, some people who claim to love me create all kinds of reels and call it drama or mock it in different ways. I hear all those taunts. I hear them because I understand your love. I understand the emotions of these young children."
Defending Emotional Investment
PM Modi emphasized that the affection displayed by children often represents days of emotional investment and sincere effort. He argued that ignoring such genuine expressions would constitute disrespect toward their feelings. "If a child has put in effort for two or three days with genuine affection, I cannot insult that child, and I cannot upset him," PM Modi declared, reinforcing his commitment to honoring these emotional connections.
Political Context in Kerala
The Prime Minister's visit to Thiruvananthapuram follows closely on the heels of the Bharatiya Janata Party's historic victory in the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation elections last month. The BJP secured 50 of the 101 seats and achieved the milestone of installing its first Mayor in the civic body, marking a significant political development in Kerala.
Earlier during his Kerala visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched various developmental projects and flagged off new train services, emphasizing that a new realization has emerged among the people regarding the Central government's dedicated efforts for the state's progress and development.
Reframing Public Interactions
PM Modi's remarks directly address the frequent political sparring that occurs on social media platforms, where visuals of his interactions with supporters—particularly children—during public meetings often go viral and attract sharp reactions from both supporters and critics. The Prime Minister's comments appear strategically aimed at reframing such moments as authentic expressions of public connection rather than mere political spectacle.
By acknowledging the criticism while simultaneously defending the sincerity of these interactions, PM Modi has positioned himself as a leader who values emotional bonds with citizens, especially the younger generation, despite facing political opposition and online mockery.
