Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed the nation second time in 51 days. However, contrary to wide speculation, his speech did not touch on the adverse effects of the demonetisation move and his future plans to tackle them.
He used the speech to woo potential voters in five poll-bound states by announcing interest rate exemptions for home owners and allowances for farmers. He also ‘encouraged’ women to become pregnant by offering them Rs 6,000 allowances during the time of pregnancy.
However, the Twitter users quickly found out that the PM had not used the word ‘mitron’ even once. Tonight, all he used to address his audience was ‘deshwasiyon (countrymen).’
The use of ‘mitron (friends)’ during his first address to the nation on 8 November had caused him widespread mocking as even the dictionary website, Urban Dictionary, too had included the word to take a dig at the PM.
Aaron Peckham’s Urban Dictionary, which helps make sense of the colorful street language around you, had described Mitron as:
“1) A large group of unsuspecting people, about to be hit by something they will take a long time to recover from.
2. A precursor to bad news for large groups of people.
Modi used the word ‘mitr (friend)’ just once while referring to bank employees.
Here are some of the reactions from Twitter users, who commented on the omission of mitron from Modi’s speech as well as taking a dig at his broader speech.
No Mitron in the Speech so far. Or did I miss it. Is Mitron gone too with the old year #ModiSpeech
— barkha dutt (@BDUTT) December 31, 2016
Mitron this speech is an acceptance of failure. Period.
— Preeti Sharma Menon (@PreetiSMenon) December 31, 2016
https://twitter.com/SRKswarrior/status/815212976185737216
Restaurants quickly making amends, saying 'saathiyon' will be acceptable for 'mitron' for gettin discounted drinks #PMNewYearSpeech
— Sonal Kalra (@sonalkalra) December 31, 2016
Didn't use "Mitron" even once?
MODI HAS UNFRIENDED THE NATION.— Ramesh Srivats (@rameshsrivats) December 31, 2016
No mitron in #ModiSpeech. Awesome surgical strike by decisive PM
— Aditya Menon (@AdityaMenon22) December 31, 2016
Modi on TV: mitron
Indians: nervousModi: from midnight
Indian: scaredModi: 2000…
Indian: *suicides*Modi: 17 starts!!!!!???
— Honey being (@HoneyBeing_) December 31, 2016
From kaala dhan, we're now on about pregnant women.When no cash available for recreation,guess there's only procreation! ?? Have fun, folks
— Sagarika Ghose (@sagarikaghose) December 31, 2016