Social media today was abuzz with speculations whether the self-proclaimed ‘neutral comedian’ Kunal Kamra was supported by Congress in furthering his propaganda.
Here is what happened. Congress IT cell head Divya Spandana late last night shared a Narendra Modi meme, calling his supporters ‘stupid’ on her Twitter account. While IT cell head of any political party sharing a meme barely makes the cut as ‘news’, it came as a surprise for many when the news agency ANI carried a story on the meme. Especially when it was not even a particularly funny one.
Spandana, who appeared surprised at a story based on her meme, tagged ANI’s Live Services Editor, Ishaan Prakash, trying to take a dig on ANI. However, Ishaan soon shared a screenshot of a conversation between the two where she had shared the meme. Ishaan said since she shared the meme with him on WhatsApp, to a journalist, he thought she probably wanted the news agency to report on it.
I don’t understand ma’am, you sent this meme on my whatsapp. You didn’t want us to report on it? ? I see you have unleashed your minions at me and @ANI . Article is pretty balanced, has past remarks of the BJP IT cell head as well. pic.twitter.com/xZ22KUgI1O
— ishaan prakash (@ishaan_ANI) March 14, 2019
It is a standard practice where communications personnel send out emails, messages to journalists working on the beats story leads.
However, what was surprising was the fact that just above the meme which Divya had shared, she had shared a YouTube link of ‘comedian’ Kunal Kamra’s propaganda masquerading as comedy. This led to a lot of speculations amongst the Twitterati.
Congress IT cell head peddling video of “neutral” self proclaimed stand up comedian Kunal Kamra to journalists. Well https://t.co/28g9wU55ah
— Unmai Jellum (@losmonrekha) March 14, 2019
Not surprised to see @kunalkamra88 ‘s nautnki video link there…
We all know that he’s on ramya’s payroll.
Abhi bus prove hua. ??? https://t.co/zDwjelgh3P— Mr Sinha (@MrSinha_) March 14, 2019
Some even wondered if Congress is officially promoting Kamra.
So IT Cell Head of Congress is sending contents to Journalists.
Kunal Kamra ko bhi officially promote karte hain. Mujhe laga sirf funding hoti thi ? https://t.co/oyVs1jLgK2
— अंकुर सिंह (@iAnkurSingh) March 14, 2019
Later, in Divya tried to make light of the situation by saying how while she forwards a lot of things to Ishaan, she knows why he picked this one up.
I send you lots of forwards Ishaan, I know why you picked this one 😉 Don’t worry your secret remains intact with me.
— Divya Spandana/Ramya (@divyaspandana) March 14, 2019
“Don’t worry your secret remains intact with me,” she joked.
Some even questioned whether it is due to Congress’ support that Kamra’s videos on YouTube gets so many views despite lack of humour.
Stand up comedian Kunal Kamra video is circulated by Congress IT cell. You see how failed stand up comedians are getting 2 million views on YouTube? ??? https://t.co/ldDTt1eT2V
— Akshay | ಅಕ್ಷಯ | अक्षय (@AkshayKatariyaa) March 14, 2019
Earlier, questions were also raised about pro-AAP propagandist Dhruv Rathee who also runs his propaganda through YouTube through paid promotion. When Dhruv was caught advertising his propaganda on Rafale, at first he had refuted the screenshots provided of his paid campaign saying that they were ‘Photoshopped’ and then claimed that perhaps it was someone else who might be paying for his videos.
Also: Dhruv Rathee speaks the same language as the terrorist who killed 40 CRPF jawans in Pulwama attack
