From 'Jhootha Party' to 'Ghoshna Mantri': Slang heats up Delhi polls
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New Delhi: The upcoming Delhi Assembly elections have turned into a battleground of slangs, slogans, and AI-generated memes, with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Congress engaging in a fierce war of words and creative narratives.
From the AAP branding the BJP as the “Bharatiya Jhootha Party” (Indian Liar Party) and “Gali Galouch Party” (Abusive Party) to Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling AAP “AAP-Daa” (disaster) and Arvind Kejriwal the “Ghoshna Mantri” (Minister of Announcements), the rhetoric has taken center stage.
The Congress, not to be left behind, has dubbed Kejriwal “Farziwal” (fake) and a “Chhota Recharge” (small recharge) of Modi, adding to the charged atmosphere as campaigns intensify.
Seeking a third consecutive term in Delhi, the AAP has launched sharp attacks on the BJP, calling it the “Bharatiya Jhootha Party” for allegedly failing to fulfill promises like creating two crore jobs annually. AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal has accused the BJP of “tax terrorism” and released a seven-point manifesto targeting the middle class, alleging exploitation without redressal.
AAP has dismissed the BJP’s manifesto, terming it “Vinash Patra” (letter of destruction) and accusing the saffron party of undermining welfare schemes. It has also taken a religious angle, labeling the BJP “Ravan Bhakt” (devotees of Ravan) while presenting itself as “Ram Bhakt” (devotees of Ram), highlighting alleged law-and-order failures in the capital.
Referring to controversial remarks by BJP leaders, AAP has also branded the party as the “Gali Galouch Party.” Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, known for his comedic roots, has added humor to the campaign, urging voters to avoid the BJP’s “lotus” symbol, warning it could cause “motiyabind” (cataract) due to corruption.
The BJP has leveraged its star campaigners, including Prime Minister Modi, to take on AAP. Modi has labeled the party “AAP-Daa” and accused Kejriwal of corruption and mismanagement. The BJP has coined slogans like “Ghoshna Mantri” for Kejriwal, alleging he makes empty promises.
Borrowing a line from the Bollywood movie Bunty Aur Babli, the BJP has described the AAP’s rule as “Aisa koi saga nahi, jisko mahathug ne thaga nahi” (No relative was spared by this great fraud), alleging widespread corruption during Kejriwal’s tenure.
Kejriwal has also faced accusations of being a “Chunavi Hindu” (Hindu only during elections) after promising Rs 18,000 monthly salaries for priests and gurdwara granthis.
Struggling to regain relevance, the Congress has sharpened its attacks on both rivals. It has called Kejriwal “Farziwal” and a “Chhota Recharge” of Modi, accusing him of imitating BJP’s tactics. Through campaigns like “AAP ke Paap ka Pardafash” (Exposing AAP’s Misdeeds), the Congress hopes to highlight the shortcomings of both AAP and BJP.
The battle has spilled over onto social media, with supporters from all camps engaging in meme wars and creative spoofs. While some voters see the humor as entertaining, others view it as a decline in political discourse.
The results, to be announced on February 8, will serve as a referendum on AAP’s governance model, centered on free welfare schemes. The BJP, aiming to break a 25-year absence from power in Delhi, is mounting a strong challenge. Meanwhile, Congress hopes to regain its lost footing.
In 2015, AAP secured a historic victory with 67 of 70 seats, leaving BJP with three and Congress with none. In 2020, AAP retained dominance with 62 seats, BJP won eight, and Congress again failed to open its account.
This time, with the BJP exuding confidence and Congress attempting a comeback, Delhi is poised for one of its most fiercely contested elections yet. The outcome will reveal whether the fiery exchanges translate into votes or leave the city’s political landscape unchanged.
With PTI inputs