Congress launches social media shadow war against Narendra Modi government

The Narendra Modi government is on the verge of completing 100 days in office. Close on its heels, opposition Congress has come up with a novel way of keeping a check over the government. The Congress has started shadow Twitter handles that will try to pierce holes in the 'achievements' of the government and also point out lacunae in the functioning of specific ministries.

The Modi government has been using Twitter extensively to disseminate information to the common public. All ministers have been urged to open Twitter account to share information. Now with the presence of shadow Twitter handles, the battle on Twitter is likely to hot up.  

Questions of whether a shadow PM handle will also be started have also been raised. But Congress sources have confirmed to dna that there are no such plans as of now. The strategy is to make the government accountable. The shadow handle for the HRD Ministry has already shared criticism of the ministry's policies and also launched a tirade against Smriti Irani.

Indian Council For Historical Research has already been compromised by appointing an RSS nominee as its head. #100DaysIndiaPays

— HRDMinistry_Shadow (@HRDMinShadow) September 2, 2014

#100DaysIndiaPays - on Aug 10, @smritiirani lied to the people when she said she has a degree from Yale: http://t.co/0qGQCd1xHL

— HRDMinistry_Shadow (@HRDMinShadow) September 2, 2014

Smriti Irani lost elections against Rahul Gandhi. Is that why she is creating controversies? #100DaysIndiaPays : https://t.co/XIxduNUMf2

— HRDMinistry_Shadow (@HRDMinShadow) September 2, 2014

In addition, the shadow handle of the Ministry for External Affairs is pointing out several shortcomings in the foreign policy of the Modi government.  

The foreign policy of the BJP government is opaque, directionless and confusing for India's partners and all interlocutors. 1/n

— MEAIndiaShadow (@MEAIndiaShadow) September 2, 2014

Other shadow Twitter handles of different ministries like Coal, Power and Sports have also started operation. 

Shadow ministers and shadow cabinets have always been part of the Westminster form of democracy. By emulating this concept on social media, the Congress is raising the challenge to the BJP on their own court.