‘Pointers here for India, dictatorial leaders do not leave easily’: Twitterati react to attack on the Capitol

A number of people took to micro-blogging platform Twitter in reaction to the attack on the Capitol in the US by a mob consisting of US President Donald Trump.

While some pointed out that it was ironical for PM Narendra Modi to post a tweet that ‘the democratic process cannot be allowed to be subverted’ in view of the fact that the authority and autonomy of constitutional institutions was being eroded under his regime, others recalled the fact that the PM had ‘endorsed’ Trump in the rally held at Houston and the ‘Namaste Trump’ event held in Ahmedabad.

A few users opined that Modi’s tweet amounted to commenting on a subject which was an ‘internal matter’ of the US.

Some users expressed the apprehension that Modi’s supporters would behave exactly in this manner if and when he was voted out of power, while others drew a parallel between the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya and the attack on the Capitol by mobs scaling walls and indulging in wanton violence.

A user said the attack was a result of certain sections of American media inciting violence by peddling lies as news and by demonising minorities, political opponents and those critical of Trump, which was similar to the situation in India.

Here is a compilation of some of these posts:

‘Be prepared for a more terrifying version than this in India, as and when the BJP is defeated. Worse considering how every govt institution is severely compromised.’

‘That's funny because I can 100% see this happening if and when the bjp loses power and bhakts have a violent meltdown’

‘Anyone see the similarity? Is there a similarity? The world's largest democracy started dismantling the edifice of its secular democracy 3 decades ago. The world's richest is catching up.’

‘Such a familiar sight. Goons climbing a structure to destroy it and democracy. Saw it in Ayodhya years ago, saw it in Delhi last year. Keep hearing about it happening in MP these days. India-America Bhai Bhai.’

‘Is anybody else thinking that what if Modi loses next election and his supporters might also act the same way? Or just me and my paranoia?’

‘Pointers here for India. Dictatorial leaders do not leave easily.’

‘Donald Trump has shown why RW nationalism has no red lines, no noms, but only self-serving quest for power for its own tribe without any scruple. This not just about Trump; it is true about every nationalist politician around the world.’

‘Certain sections of American media and star anchors incited the violence by consistently peddling fantasies and lies as news and by demonising minorities, political opponents and those critical of Trump. Sounds familiar?’