Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Nov 4: Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar became an unexpected talking point on social media on Wednesday, not over India's electoral politics but following US President Donald Trump's Republican Party suffering a crushing defeat in the mid-term elections.
From Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke saying that "Gyanesh Kumar would've never let this happen to Trump" to an X user suggesting that the US president "badly needs a Gyanesh", memes and sarcastic comments flooded social media. Users turned the US election results into a platform to highlight the ongoing 'vote chori' controversy in India and allegations against the Chief Election Commissioner.
Politicians, activists and social media users joined the online commentary, drawing comparisons between the US electoral outcome and allegations of irregularities in India's electoral process.
Congress media and publicity department head Pawan Khera took a swipe at Trump, posting on X: "Trump Sahib, if you had taken Gyanesh along, you wouldn't have had to witness this day today."
Activist-lawyer Prashant Bhushan targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, posting a sarcastic imaginary conversation in which Modi apologised for not being able to send Kumar to help Trump, adding that the CEC was now confined to his house and unable to help him.
Dipke shared a one-line post with the hashtag 'just saying'. Another user posted a meme depicting Trump entering a room where Modi was waiting, with the caption: "Bro, give me Gyanesh."
Several parody posts also claimed that Kumar would travel to the US at Trump's request to train election officials in conducting polls impartially. One post read: "Gyanesh Kumar to leave for the US as Trump starts losing the mid-term elections."
The memes followed a major setback for Trump's Republican Party, as Democratic candidates secured control of both chambers of Congress and won key gubernatorial races. Republicans suffered defeats in several closely watched contests, including in Texas, Georgia and Iowa.
The party also faced setbacks in Senate races across several states, including Texas, Maine, South Carolina, North Carolina, Kansas and Iowa. Trump had campaigned extensively, urging voters to treat the elections as a referendum on his presidency.
The Republican losses were attributed in part to public dissatisfaction with Trump's policies, including the war involving Iran and its alleged impact on the cost of living and fuel prices.
The online reactions come amid a political controversy in India over alleged voter-list irregularities. Opposition parties have accused Kumar of colluding with the ruling party during state and Lok Sabha elections and have demanded his resignation.
The BJP has rejected the allegations, accusing the opposition of attempting to create unrest and making excuses for its electoral defeats.