PM Twitter dispute warped, he also follows RaGa, Kejri: BJP

NEW DELHI: New Delhi: BJP rejected the criticism of PM Narendra Modi for following on Twitter a few of those who had appeared to justify the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh, and said following someone was not an endorsement of that person.
“The PM following someone is not a character certificate of a person and is not in any way a guarantee of how a person would conduct himself,” Amit Malviya, head of BJP’s IT wing, said, emphasising that the PM had never blocked or unfollowed anyone on Twitter.The party functionary said the PM also followed his political rivals, including those who have been abusing him.
“The PM also follows Rahul Gandhi who is an accused in a case of loot and fraud. The PM also follows Arvind Kejriwal, who abused him on Twitter and told a woman ‘settle kar lo’ when she complained of a party member molesting her.
The PM still follows Parthesh Patel, a former BJP volunteer who joined Congress and has abused the PM in the worst possible language,” Malviya said.
He accused the PM’s critics of double standards. “This debate is a one-way street. Rahul is never questioned for the abuse by Tehseen Poonawala, who also happens to be his relative. Kejriwal is never questioned for the abuse and rape threats his supporters shower on others. Thus, this debate is not only farcical and fake, but also an exhibit of selective right to freedom of expression,” he said. Malviya further said, “The controversy over the PM following people on Twitter is mischievous and contorted. Modi is a rare leader who truly believes in freedom of speech and has never blocked or unfollowed anyone on Twitter.”