Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's three day UK tour has sparked a wave of backlash online. #KeepModiGiveKohinoor exploded on Twitter gaining over 11k mentions in the past day, trending in both India and the UK.
Modi's visit, which began on Thursday, is expected to produce better trade relations with the UK, but his arrival was met with protesters upset by intolerance back home. Opposition leader, Slaman Nizman, who allegedly started the hashtag, echoed this sentiment online. Nizami sarcastically told the UK to keep his country's PM, and instead return the 105 carat Kohinoor diamond, taken in the mid-19th century by the East India Company as a mark of Britain's colonial rule. Others offered different deals.
First question to PM Modi by BBC: India is becoming an intolerant country. Learn Indian Journos Learn ! #KeepModiGiveKohinoor
— Salman Nizami (@Salmannizami_) November 12, 2015
We ready to give one more Kohinoor if Britain agrees to keep Sir forever! #KeepModiGiveKohinoorpic.twitter.com/JZL9apuXQi
— 1World (@OneW0rld_) November 12, 2015
I say keep Kohinoor but dont send Modi back. #KeepModiGiveKohinoor
— jäÿësh (@jayeshluv) November 12, 2015
@MehekF I would say UK,Keep Kohinoor but only on 1 condition,keep Modi too.
— Ajeet Singh (@ajeetsin) November 12, 2015
Modiji gives such good statements on inclusiveness when abroad. So please #KeepModiGiveKohinoor
— Mehek (@MehekF) November 12, 2015
Many used the hashtag to critcise Modi for a failing economy and growing intolerance in the country:
Let me tell you one thing. Whatever we build in 60 Years, Modi will destroy it in just 60 Months. #ModiInUK#KeepModiGiveKohinoor
— MOEZ AHMED (@MoezAhmed) November 12, 2015
Inflation rising for third straight month, industrial output gone down.... #KeepModiGiveKohinoor
— Ali AAP (@Ali_Faraz87) November 12, 2015
With #KeepModiGiveKohinoor its time to acknowledge how democratic Twitter has become as compared to Indian mainstream media
— Darby Shaw (@N0v0ca1n) November 12, 2015
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