Lucknow, March 16: Kick-starting Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) campaign for the Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday tweeted a video of 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' programme. In a tweet, PM Modi, who describes himself as a Chowkidar (watchman who protects citizens), re-assured the public that he is "standing firm and serving the nation". Sharing the video of 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' event, PM Modi said whoever stands against corruption is a Chowkidar.

"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," PM Modi tweeted. Under the 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' programme, the prime minister will interact with people from across the country at 6 pm on March 31. The first phase of Lok Sabha elections will take place on April 11. Akhilesh Yadav, Mayawati to Hold 11 Joint Rallies from April 7, Check Venue and Place.

PM Narendra Modi's tweet:

The 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' campaign is apparently a counter-attack by the BJP against Congress President Rahul Gandhi's 'Chowkidar Chor Hai' jibe. Following PM Modi's tweet, several BJP leaders also used the #MainBhiChowkidar hashtag and tweeted. "I am proud to join #MainBhiChowkidar movement. As a citizen who loves India, I shall do my best to defeat corruption, dirt, poverty and terrorism and help create a New India which is strong, secure and prosperous," Union Minister Piyush Goyal said.

RK Singh, Minister of State (IC) for Power and Renewable Energy said anyone who took a stand and raised their voice was a Chowkidar. "In our fight against corruption, social injustice of any manner and on any person; anyone who takes a stand and raises their voice is a Chowkidar. I'm proud to play my part for a corruption-free and Clean India. Let's all raise our voices and take the pledge. #MainBhiChowkidar," he said.

While Rahul Gandhi has been visiting states to campaign for the Congress, party's General Secretary and eastern Uttar Pradesh in-charge Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will kick off a three-day poll campaign from her great grandfather Jawaharlal Nehru's birthplace Prayagraj to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's parliamentary constituency Varanasi by a steamer on March 18.

The seven-phased Lok Sabha elections are scheduled from April 11 to May 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 16, 2019 09:50 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).