Story highlights
PM Modi’s post came as West Bengal police earlier in the day sent legal notices to several X users for sharing similar memes on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (May 6) reacted to his deepfake meme showing him dancing on a stage with the hashtag ‘poll humour’.
The PM wrote on X, “Like all of you, I also enjoyed seeing myself dance. Such creativity in peak poll season is truly a delight.” He wrote this while reposting a post by a user named Krishna.
Krishna in his post wrote: “Posting this video cuz I know that ‘THE DICTATOR’ is not going to get me arrested for this.”
Mamata meme controversy
PM Modi’s post came as West Bengal police earlier in the day sent legal notices to several X users for sharing similar memes on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Banerjee, whose party governs the state, is a fierce rival of PM Modi.
Kolkata police on X threatened several users with legal action and asked them to reveal their real identity.
“You are directed to immediately disclose your identity including name and residence. If the information sought is not revealed, you shall be liable for legal action u/s 42 CrPC,” the DCP (Cyber Crime), Kolkata Police posted in reply to the videos shared by the two users.
In another X post, Kolkata police warned that the meme could disrupt law and order in the state. “It has been observed that you are using social media for posting offensive, malicious, and inciting post. Cyber police station Kolkata hereby issues notice against you under Section 149 CrPC for posting such message,” the notice read, adding that the video could “adversely affect the law and order situation”.
About the deepfake meme template
The popular meme template is taken from American rapper Lil Yachty’s stage entrance. Social media users are now using this template and replacing Lil Yachty with renowned world figures.
Reaction on social media
PM Modi’s humorous post earned praise from X users, who also highlighted how PM Modi and Mamata reacted to the same meme template in starkly different ways.
Mamata vs PM Modi, The difference is clear, one user commented.
“Really good to see Prime Minister Modi looking at the lighter side of life & not threatening people with arrests like some other politicians. We need more of this if Bharat is to remain a vibrant democracy,” wrote a second user.
“Tight slap on the face of people who call you a dictator….,” a third user commented.
