Modi Removes Suspense From His Cryptic Tweet; Here's Why PM Is Giving Up His Social Media Accounts

Prime Minister Narendra Modi who triggered countrywide suspense by tweeting that he is giving up his social media account, revealed the reason behind his tweet on Tuesday.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday drew the curtains from his cryptic tweet about giving up social media, hours after triggering frenzy among Tweeple, and said he will give away his Twitter account to women whose life and work are inspirational for people. “This Women's Day, I will give away my social media accounts to women whose life & work inspire us. This will help them ignite motivation in millions,” he tweeted. “Are you such a woman or do you know such inspiring women? Share such stories using #SheInspiresUs,” he added. It is to provide opportunity to women whose life and work can inspire people, a chance to take over the different social media accounts of the Prime  Minister for a day, and share their ideas and thoughts with the world. This Sunday, March 8, happens to be International Women's day followed by Holi to be celebrated on March 9 and 10th. On Monday night, PM had tweeted a teaser: "This Sunday, thinking of giving up my social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube. Will keep you all posted."

There were speculations that Modi may make a major announcement related to women on March 8 that could possibly relate to social media. Within minutes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tweet saying that he is thinking of giving up his social media accounts, scores of netizens urged him not to quit the various social media platforms as 'No Sir' trended on Twitter. However, many opposition leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Mayawati, Akhilesh Yadav and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury  had their own interpretations and came forward to criticise the decision of the Prime Minister. While some felt it was a strategy to divert attention from burning issues, others felt that blocking a way of communication with common people wasn’t advisable. Key points about PM Modi's social media accounts: 

• The prime minister is one of the most-followed world leaders on social media.
• He has 53.3 million followers on Twitter, 44 million on Facebook and 35.2 million on Instagram.
• The Twitter handle of the Prime Minister's Office has 32 million followers.
• In September 2019, PM Modi was the third most followed world leader on the microblogging site, behind only US President Donald Trump and his predecessor Barack Obama.
• The prime minister was the first Indian to cross the 50-million followers mark on Twitter.