PM Modi launches ‘Main Bhi Chowkidar’ campaign for 2019 elections

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday started 'Main Bhi Chowkidar hoon' narrative, naming an event after the new political slogan of the BJP, squarely countering opposition's repeated attacks of the "Chowkidar chor hai" jibe.
PM Modi in a tweet said that he is not the only person serving the nation and every person who does serve the nation is a 'chowkidar'.
Re-defining the word Chowkidar, the PM said,"Everyone who is fighting corruption, dirt, social evils is a Chowkidar. Everyone working hard for the progress of India is a Chowkidar. Today, every Indian is saying-#MainBhiChowkidar," wrote the PM.

The PM has often addressed himself as a 'chowkidar' of nation, a reference to underline the role of a PM in safeguarding country's interests. Meanwhile, the opposition has often criticised the rhetoric, accusing the government of alleged corruption in Rafale deal etc.
The 'Main bhi chowkidar' program is a similar strategy as 2014 where BJP took on Manishankar Aiyar’s Chaiwalla jibe into a mass campaign.
BJP in a statement said that the‘Mai Bhi Chowkidar’ has been started after extensive surveys and data analysis by BJP strategists who feel that Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Chowkidar Chor Hai’ jibes and campaign is not resonating among people. Surveys suggest that it is actually angering people.
"This campaign will also further drive the narrative of PM’s strong and decisive image which multiple surveys have conveyed is the main factor in the upcoming elections," said the statement.
As part of the campaign, a video has been released with an anthem style song of people proudly claiming to be a chowkidar of the country and people can also take the '#MainBhiChowkidar" pledge.
While the video urges people to join the PM on March 31 for a programme titled 'Main bhi Chowkidar" where PM Modi will also interact with people from across the country, for the pledge BJP has leveraged a unique tech innovation called 'conversation cards'. People will get a personalized message from PM on Twitter when they take the pledge.