Kochi: Keralites led by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy took the social media by storm on Wednesday after Prime Minister Narendra Modi compared Kerala to Somalia in an election meeting in Kasargod on Sunday. #PoMoneModi became a top trending on Twitter throughout the day with more than 5,200 tweets made at the peak hour (data provided by a website). The topic was also the second most discussed item on Twitter.
According to Mr Modi, “the unemployment rate in Kerala is at least three times higher than the national average. Infant mortality rate among the Scheduled Tribe community in Kerala is worse than in Somalia.” What followed was an array of tweets and Facebook posts criticising Mr Modi for distorting the facts.
The hashtag, a parody of popular Malayalam punch dialogue by Mohanlal 'PoMone Dinesha,' roughly translates to ‘Go home man.’ Keralites known for their penchant to troll anyone if ‘mocked,’ criticised Mr Modi for his remarks. Tweets flooded from across the country once Keralites made the issue a trending topic. Many were amused by the hashtag and scratched their heads without knowing the hashtag. Keralites popular on Twitter were seen explaining the tag to their compatriots. Tweets mocking Mr Modi became an instant hit. The people made memes and graphics and made fun of the issue. Some even went on to compare the ministers of Kerala with Somali pirates and V.S. Achuthanandan as King of Sparta.
“PM sir, you questioned the DNA of Biharis and you got a resounding answer, now you compare Kerala to Somalia. Awaiting 19th may!! #PoMoneModi,” one tweeted. While another conceded, “Please make sure you don't demean the people of Somalia or make fun of Somalia while condemning the statement of our PM. #PoMoneModi.”
