Although the Home Minister has claimed from time to time that CAA in no way affects Indian Muslims and that they need not worry, the BJP IT cells which are either directly or indirectly connected with the party or its close affiliates have started working up the hidden agenda of the party, to influence people and convince them about the idea of a Hindu Rashtra where Muslims will be reduced to a subdued minority.
The Wire reported on how an organised campaign has been mounted on these WhatsApp groups to stoke Islamophobia and hatred against Muslims and immigrants in the country. The messages being forwarded widely by such groups have sought to advertise the CAA as a tool to ‘kick Muslims out of India’ and ‘halve India’s population, without any effort.’
Our take: It is no surprise that the BJP IT cell has rigorously gotten to work to put out messages spreading Islamophobia and to create a fear psychosis amongst the Muslim community. This was done even after the Ayodhya verdict; the messages are more perilous now and reflective of the idea of ‘Hindu rashtra’ that has been the hidden agenda of the BJP. The BJP and its affiliates have immense control on its social media messaging and they are relentless when it comes to spewing such hate filled messages. To counter such messages is not an easy task and any prudent person would understand that most of it is misinformation aimed at creating a sentiment of divide so unless BJP’s social media army is defeated, BJP’s influence will keep growing stronger.
Some examples of these messages:
Image courtesy: Kunal Purohit/The Wire
The Wire, through the author of the article was able to access WhatsApp groups run by BJP sympathisers and close aides of its leaders. Apparently, one of these groups indicates in its description that one of its members is PM’s special representative who will convey sentiments of the group to the PM.
Image courtesy: Kunal Purohit/The Wire
The common sentiment in all these messages is that the creation of Hindu Rashtra has begun and Muslims will be chased away from India or that their population will reduce considerably.
Image courtesy: Kunal Purohit/The Wire
Image courtesy: Kunal Purohit/The Wire
Some messages make incredulous claims such as these:
Image courtesy: Kunal Purohit/The Wire
Image courtesy: Kunal Purohit/The Wire
Some messages present a false narrative, presenting BJP as the only party truly fighting for Hindus:
Image courtesy: Kunal Purohit/The Wire