Congress leader ridicules BJP’s ‘chowkidar’ tag

Mumbai: The Congress on Sunday said that thieves and culprits are prefixing the word ‘chowkidar’ (watchman) before their names, hence there is a question of unprecedented insecurity in the atmosphere of the country, which may create a law and order situation in the state.

Congress general secretary Sachin Sawant said that genuine security guards, who are working honestly, are being looked at suspiciously. The minds of the security guards are dazed owing to this, he said.

In order to amplify the BJP’s campaign in the Lok Sabha election, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday renamed his Twitter handle as “Chowkidar Narendra Modi”. After the alteration, the BJP leader and chief minister Devendra Fadnavis followed suit. Similarly, other party workers and office-bearers have also added the word ‘chowkidar’.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi has been targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi by stating ‘chowkidar chor hai’ (The watchman is a thief).

Mr Sawant said that the people should verify the character of one’s watchman with the police before hiring them.

Apparently referring to BJP leaders, the Congress spokesperson said that it is easy to add ‘chowkidar’ before one’s name, rather than working as a chowkidar in the country. “There is a big threat in the country from these chowkidars. Most of the gangs of thieves are indulging in such practices in order to earn the trust of the people. If they are given a job, there is a possibility that they may steal or commit a crime. Therefore, caution must be taken before hiring watchmen for housing societies, business complexes, houses and shops.

“An honest watchman would definitely be eager to be verified by the police department, whereas fraudsters would run away,” Mr Sawant added.