The Chandrayaan 2 landing might have failed but the BJP on Saturday celebrated the nation’s “phenomenal achievement” under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Ministers and party leaders went all out on social media, latching on to video footage of Modi hugging Isro chairman K. Sivan to stoke nationalist passions.
“What a phenomenal achievement!!!! We are there..... we shall remain hopeful and courageous and have no doubt that we will cover the last mile.....SOON,” said railways and commerce minister Piyush Goyal.
“The character of a true leader is to boost the morale of his team under any situation. We are proud of our Prime Minister @narendramodi ji and @ISRO scientists,” Goyal added.
The BJP had hoped a successful landing on the moon would be the big-bang achievement of the 100 days of the Modi government in its second term, powerful enough to eclipse deepening concerns over the economic slowdown.
Although the Chandrayaan mission suffered a setback, the ruling party remained determined to project it as a major achievement. Saturday morning visuals of Modi consoling Sivan appeared to have made the party’s task easier, generating sympathy for the Isro chief and praise for the Prime Minister on social media.
Two hashtags trended on Twitter: #IndiaWithIsro and #WorthlessPakistan. Pakistan, around which the BJP’s nationalist politics revolves, was attacked for taking a dig at India over the setback to the moon mission. In all the tweets with #IndiaWithIsro, Modi’s hug video was attached.
The video was widely pushed on WhatsApp by BJP managers, ensuring it reaches people in the rural heartland too. While seeking to buck up the morale of the ISRO scientists, the BJP cleverly exploited the occasion to further build the image of Modi from a string and decisive to a leader full of warmth. “This is how a true leader uplifts his team. Through unstinted support and warmth!” the BJP’s official Twitter handle said, attaching a video of Modi with the ISRO chairman.
“A leader who inspires faith, hope and optimism! PM @narendramodi gives an emotional hug to @isro Chairman K. Sivan and reaffirms his faith in scientists and engineers of #ISRO and #Chandrayan2 team. Proud of our scientists! Proud of our Prime Minister!!” tweeted law and IT minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.
“PM @narendramodi, tirelessly on the move. From #ISRO #Bengaluru, straight to #Aurangabad, addressing a Mahila Sammelan. Watch,” tweeted Union minister Jitendra Singh.