New Delhi, March 20: Taking the BJP's "Main Bhi Chowkidar" movement ahead, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held an interaction with over 25 lakhs Chowkidars via audio bridge. The Prime Minister, addressing the chowkidars, said that "You have become the topic of discussion everywhere in India." PM Modi also asked for forgiveness "on behalf of those abusing the chowkidars these days." PM Narendra Modi Shares 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' Video Song to Kick-Start BJP's Campaign For Lok Sabha Elections 2019.

The Prime Minister, making a veiled attack on the Opposition, said that "I want to apologise as some people in last few months for their vested interests have run a disinformation campaign against 'chowkidars'. It is unfortunate that language of these people has hurt you." . Chowkidar Narendra Modi: PM, Amit Shah, BJP Leaders Add 'Chowkidar' to Their Names on Twitter. 

PM Modi also credited the "Main Bhi Chowkidar" movement for bringing the concerns of the chowkidars to attention. "You must have noticed that these days everywhere it is you who is being discussed, be it TV or social media, be it in India or abroad," added the PM.

The Prime Minister also took questions from the chowkidars. Answering a question, PM Modi said that, "Chowkidar has become a synonym for patriotism. I have been insulted time and again by the Naamdars, it is the work of Naamdars to spread hatred against Kaamdars." The PM made a call to the people of the country to "invoke the inner chowkidars in the children of the country and that the citizens of India should also bring alive the chowkidar in them."

The 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' campaign is apparently a counter-attack by the BJP against Congress President Rahul Gandhi's 'Chowkidar Chor Hai' jibe. Following PM Modi's tweet, several BJP leaders also used the #MainBhiChowkidar hashtag and tweeted. "I am proud to join #MainBhiChowkidar movement", Union Minister Piyush Goyal said. RK Singh, Minister of State (IC) for Power and Renewable Energy said anyone who took a stand and raised their voice was a Chowkidar.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 20, 2019 05:54 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).