From PM Narendra Modi’s Instagram reels and F.R.I.E.N.D.S. title track to Shrikant Shinde’s use of the term “FOMO”, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has used a coordinated ‘GenZ’ linguistic strategy in the Lok Sabha and outside amid nationwide youth protests centering around the NEET paper-leak controversy.
Read More | BJP turns to Gen Z lingo, reels and memes after CJP protest wave
NDA’s efforts
PM Modi started the trend by releasing a series of highly viral, selfie-style Instagram videos directly addressing students. The BJP on Wednesday, posted a reel of PM’s images synced to the title track of sitcom F.R.I.E.N.D.S and it said, “F.R.I.E.N.D.S…PM Modi is there for you! Recent exam concerns are being addressed with the strictest actions to ensure absolute transparency and protect your future.”
Moreover, Bansuri Swaraj, in the parliament, attacked the Congress by saying, “Where Congress created a policy vacuum, if I borrow the Gen Z language, then I will have to say, Modi ji clocked it and provided a legislative solution.” She also performed the rapid, quiet fingertip clapping or micro clap, which became an online meme format.
Also Read | What an ‘unserious’ Gen Z’s serious protest looks like as students reshape dissent
Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde stated that the Opposition were Missing in Action (MIA) during early student protests and claimed that they acted out of Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), and delulu (delusional) thinking students would join them. The words FOMO and delulu were also used by BJP MP Tejasvi Surya.
Opposition responds
The Gen Z language strategy drew a sharp response from the opposition. MP Priyanka Gandhi said that if the Prime Minister truly wanted to win over Gen Z, “videos changing camera angles will not help.” Moreover, NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule hit back at the ruling alliance, questioning the use of trendy slang in the House and warning the government not to be in a “delulu” state regarding the youth’s trust.
FAQs
Which language was used by the NDA recently?
The ruling NDA is currently using Gen Z slang language to communicate with the youth and win their trust.
Why did NDA adopt this strategy?
NDA adopted this strategy after nationwide protests against the NEET scandal to win the attention of the youth by making gestures that can go viral of reels and YouTube Shorts.
