Sushma Swaraj and Priyanka Chaturvedi Trolled Online: Is Social Media Empowering Trolls To Attack Powerful People?

June 30 marked the World Social Media Day, which celebrated the the power of social media and how it has changed our lives for the better. Ironically, the day  also showed us one of social media's worst side when one of the senior-most women in the government, Sushma Swaraj faced the wrath of Twitter trolls. The following day, Congress’ Priyanka Chaturvedi too became a victim of social media trolling. These were not the regular trolls who make fun of a political figure or celebrity. Both the women were attacked by trolls with sexist abuses. Let’s first look at both the cases separately.

Why was Sushma Swaraj Attacked?

Sushma Swaraj’s husband and former governor of Mizoram, Swaraj Kaushal was tagged in a tweet asking him to "beat her up." Why? Because she helped an inter-faith (Hindu-Muslim) couple get their passport made.

Since BJP is supposed to be a pro-Hindu party, the supporters were unhappy with Swaraj’s support extended to the Muslim community. They labelled her assistance in the passport row as a move for Muslim appeasement.

A user named Mukesh Gupta made a tweet directed at Swaraj’s husband, asking him to beat her up for her act. He later deleted the tweet. It read as follows:

"when she comes home tonight why don't U beat her up & teach her not to do Muslim appeasement tell her Muslims will never ever vote for BJP."

In response, Governor Swaraj, (whose account is private) replied with the following two tweets:

Your words have given us unbearable pain. Just to share with you, my mother died of cancer in 1993. Sushma was an MP and a former Education Minister. She lived in the hospital for a year. She refused to engage a medical attendant and attended on my dying mother personally. /1 https://t.co/b4iwIUx0SA

— Governor Swaraj (@governorswaraj) July 1, 2018

Such was her devotion to the family. As per my father's wish, she lit my father's pyre. We adore her. Please do not use such words for her. We are first generation in law and politics. We pray for nothing more than her life. Pls convey my profound regards to your wife. /2

— Governor Swaraj (@governorswaraj) July 1, 2018

Priyanka Chaturvedi’s Case

Congress’ National Spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi became a victim of ugly trolling. A twitter handle with the name @GirishK1605, tweeted a rape threat to Chaturvedi’s daughter. She filed a complaint with the Mumbai police and the troll’s twitter account was taken down. She made it a point to call out the troll. She highlighted how the troll had the name of Lord Ram on his profile in contrast to the things he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted his greetings on occasion of World Social Media Day on June 30. But neither he nor a single minister from the BJP has so far extended their support to Sushma Swaraj or condemned the trolls. Remarkably, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted in support of Sushma Swaraj.

Also, Sushma Swaraj stood up for herself and replied to the troll. Not only that she went on to highlight some of the most abusive tweets directed at her over the passport row. She also conducted a poll on her twitter account to determine how many people think the trolls are justified.

While all this happened on World Social Media Day, it is interesting to note how social media that has connected us beyond boundaries and barriers has also made us easy targets to attack. People had political opinions in the past too. They also discussed, appreciated or criticised politicians. But with social media becoming popular, we have been empowered to express our views publically and make them reach the political figures directly. And since there is no process to filter or eliminate objectionable content, the power is being widely misused. People have channelised their hatred into the 280 characters of Twitter time and again, and attacked these politicians. With the amount of security these leaders have, it is impossible to physically reach them. Imagine someone saying the same things to Sushma Swaraj in person. Wouldn't he/she face immediate action from the police?

Social media has empowered us to reach the highest authorities of the world. From our Prime Minister Narendra Modi to one of the most powerful leaders of the world, US President Donald Trump, everyone has been a subject of online trolling. They have all been abused and attacked online.

But what does it say about us? Isn't it time we address the problem and keep ourselves from misusing the powers of social media? Just because we can, should we? Personal threats of rape, violence and abuse are unfair, no matter however great a disagreement we have. Aren't these self-proclaimed protectors of culture and the defenders of religion (in cases like that of Swaraj) actually destroying our cultural and moral rationality?

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 02, 2018 12:57 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).