Rajasthan CM Calls PM Modi ‘Favorite Actor’, Triggers Row

After Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma named Narendra Modi as his “favorite actor” in response to a journalist’s question, the Opposition quickly seized the opportunity to criticize both the Prime Minister and the BJP. The remark has sparked a political debate, with Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) using it to question Modi’s leadership style, while the BJP has defended the statement, calling it a misinterpretation.

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The Context: What CM Sharma Said

CM Sharma made the statement during an interaction with journalists at the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards in Jaipur on Sunday night. When asked about his favorite actor, he smiled and responded, “Narendra Modi ji.” His response was met with laughter, but it soon turned into a political controversy as the opposition used it to launch fresh attacks on the BJP and its leadership.

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Congress’ Sharp Reaction

Reacting swiftly, Rajasthan Congress President Govind Singh Dotasra took to X (formerly Twitter) and stated, “We have long maintained that Modi ji is not a leader but an actor. Now, even BJP’s own Chief Ministers have started acknowledging it. He is skilled in camera presence, teleprompters, costumes, and delivering dramatic speeches.”

Congress has frequently accused PM Modi of relying more on theatrics than governance, and Dotasra’s reaction reinforced this narrative. His statement implied that even BJP members recognize Modi’s ability to craft a public image rather than focusing on substantial governance.

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Pawan Khera’s Jibe and AAP’s Reaction

Joining the attack, senior Congress leader Pawan Khera also mocked the remark. Tagging CM Bhajan Lal Sharma on X, he commented, “You are right, Bhajan Lal ji, PM Modi is indeed a good actor. But don’t you think he has started overacting a bit too much lately?”

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) also jumped into the controversy, using its official X handle to share a video of the interaction. The party wrote, “Even BJP’s own Chief Ministers and leaders agree that there has never been, nor will there ever be, a bigger actor in this country than Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”

AAP’s statement suggested that Modi’s leadership is more about performance than substance, a claim the party has often reiterated. By sharing the video, AAP aimed to highlight what it sees as the performative nature of Modi’s governance.

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BJP’s Defense: A Misinterpretation?

While the Opposition turned the remark into a political weapon, the BJP was quick to defend CM Sharma. Party spokesperson Laxmikant Bhardwaj clarified that the question was specifically about Sharma’s “favourite hero” and that his response was taken out of context.

Bhardwaj further accused the Opposition of twisting words for political gains, stating, “CM Sharma’s statement was meant in good humor. The Opposition is desperate to find any excuse to attack Modi ji. They are deliberately misrepresenting a lighthearted remark to mislead people.”

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A Broader Political Debate

This controversy is not the first time PM Modi has been called an “actor” by his opponents. Over the years, several leaders, especially from Congress and AAP, have accused him of focusing more on optics, grand speeches, and media image rather than real governance. They often cite his well-coordinated public appearances, carefully curated social media presence, and strategic use of teleprompters.

On the other hand, BJP leaders argue that Modi’s communication skills and ability to connect with the masses are unparalleled. They believe that his speeches and public outreach efforts are an essential part of his leadership style, helping him engage directly with citizens.

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