"Scan to See PM Modi's Scam": DMK's "Ji Pay" Poster Campaign Against BJP Floods Tamil Nadu

The ruling DMK launched a poster campaign on Thursday against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, following his recent election tour in Tamil Nadu. These posters, appearing mysteriously in various locations, featuring a bar code with Modi's picture embossed in it accompanied by the words 'Ji Pay', a play on the popular e-wallet GPay. In Tamil Nadu, 'Ji' is often used by members of the Sangh Parivar, signaling their association. The posters prompt viewers to scan a QR code, leading them to a video highlighting alleged scams of the Modi government, notably the electoral bond controversy.

Amidst the fervent election campaign in Tamil Nadu, the DMK has garnered attention for its unconventional approach to criticizing the BJP-led government. The DMK, led by MK Stalin, has put up customized posters featuring Prime Minister Modi depicted as a "scanner."

The poster, that has the words "Ji Pay," urges viewers to scan the QR code, that then leads them to a video that talks of the alleged scams perpetrated by the BJP, including electoral bond controversies and infrastructural project discrepancies. The campaign further asks voters to support the India bloc and reject the BJP in the upcoming general elections.

Prime Minister Modi, amidst his campaign efforts in the south, has endeavored to connect with new voters by expressing reverence for Tamil culture and language. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP secured just over one-fifth of seats across the five southern states, while the DMK-led alliance overwhelmingly dominated Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu goes to poling in a single phase on April 19. In 2022 BJP had given the call to look south, making their intention clear to penetrate further into the Southern states.