Chowkidar synonymous with patriotism: PM Narendra Modi

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday stated that the word ‘chowkidar’ has now become synonymous with patriotism and honesty and the Congress president has insulted people working as guards by saying ‘chowkidar chor hai’

Mr Modi while interacting with watchmen from across the country said his opponents lacked guts to name him and attack him directly, and instead resorted to targeting watchmen.

Referring to Mr Gandhi, PM Modi stated that “naamdaar” (dynasts) have a habit to spread hate against those who believe in work and they will continue to insult them even if somebody becomes a PM.”

PM Modi recently launched a “Main Bhi chowkidar” drive on social media following which the Congress president had coined the “chowkidar chor hai” slogan to allege corruption in the Rafale deal, which the government has always denied.

The origin of the word ‘chowkidar’ dates back to the poll campaigning ahead of the 2014 general elections when Modi had promised to work as a ‘chowkidar’ to guard the people’s money and their trust once elected to the top office.

On Saturday, the Prime Minister had tweeted a video showing how all Indians are chowkidars while flagging off the BJP’s poll campaign.

“Your Chowkidar is standing firm & serving the nation. But, I am not alone. Everyone who is fighting corruption, dirt, social evils is a Chowkidar. Everyone working hard for the progress of India is a Chowkidar. Today, every Indian is saying-#MainBhiChowkidar,” he tweeted.