In a move that has left many in the political arena talking, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has sent a 1 kg package of jalebis to Rahul Gandhi's home in Delhi via Swiggy, with the payment method set to cash on delivery. This gesture is not just a simple act of sending sweets; it is a cleverly crafted political move aimed at mocking the Congress leader and celebrating the BJP's stunning victory in the Haryana Assembly elections.
1. The Context of the Jalebi Jibe
The jalebi jibe began when Rahul Gandhi, during an election rally in Gohana, Haryana, showcased a box of jalebis from the renowned jalebi-maker 'Matu Ram halwai.' He emphasized that these jalebis should be sold nationwide and even suggested that they be exported to create more employment opportunities. Gandhi criticized the Centre and the BJP for their business policies, suggesting that jalebi sellers like Matu Ram have been negatively affected by policies such as GST and demonetization.
Gandhi's comments were met with swift response from BJP leaders. They pointed out that jalebis are traditionally handmade, not produced in factories. This correction was seen as an opportunity for the BJP to take a dig at Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party.
2. The BJP's Victory in Haryana
The BJP's victory in Haryana was a significant upset for the Congress party. Despite exit polls predicting a Congress win, the BJP surged ahead and clinched its third consecutive victory in the state. This turn of events led to widespread celebrations among BJP supporters, who used social media to mock the Congress party's premature celebrations.
The BJP's success in Haryana can be attributed to several factors, including a consolidation of non-Jat votes and strong performances in urban areas. The party managed to secure victories in constituencies where the farming community held sway, marking an improvement over its previous performances in the state.
3. The Jalebi Order: A Symbolic Gesture
To celebrate their victory and poke fun at Rahul Gandhi's jalebi remarks, the Haryana BJP placed an online order for 1 kg of jalebis from Bikanervala in Delhi's Connaught Place. The order was marked for delivery to Rahul Gandhi's residence on Akbar Road and was set to be paid in cash upon delivery.
The authenticity of the post could not be verified by all sources, but it was widely circulated on social media platforms. A screenshot of the food delivery order showed that the order was being prepared and noted that payment would be made in cash upon delivery. The accompanying caption read, 'On behalf of all the workers of Bharatiya Janata Party Haryana, Jalebi has been sent to Rahul Gandhi's home.'
This symbolic gesture was not an isolated incident. BJP supporters across the state were seen enjoying jalebis and even attempting to cook them to commemorate the party's triumph. In a widely circulated video, a BJP member from Assam was seen bringing a box of jalebis to the Congress office in Lakhimpur.
4. The Meme Fest: How Jalebi Entered Haryana Politics
The jalebi jibe quickly became a trending topic on social media, with BJP supporters using it to mock Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party's defeat in Haryana. The term 'jalebi' was used in memes and posts across various platforms, symbolizing the BJP's victory and the Congress's loss.
Rahul Gandhi's suggestion that jalebis should be exported internationally was seen as an opportunity for the BJP to highlight their own stance on local businesses and traditional craftsmanship. By sending jalebis to Rahul Gandhi's home, the BJP effectively turned his own words against him, showcasing their ability to adapt and use humor in politics.
In conclusion, the jalebi jibe is more than just a simple act of sending sweets; it represents a strategic move by the BJP to celebrate their victory and mock their political opponents. This incident highlights the creative ways in which political parties use symbolism and humor to engage with their audience and make their message more relatable.
