Every now and again, a neta will make a statement that catches the fancy of the hoi polloi not because of its wisdom or profundity but rather for the opposite reason. Recently, Rajya Sabha MP and former Union Cabinet Minister Subramanian Swamy made a statement about putting the image of Goddess Laxmi on currency notes to improve the state of the Indian currency. Predictably, Twitter reacted:
His statement was widely reported in several different publications, where he was quoted as saying: “I rather say that a picture of Goddess Lakshmi (on currency notes) may improve the condition of Indian currency.” Swamy tweeted this article link.
Several commentators pointed out that Swamy was being quoted out of context; that he had made this statement in response to a question posed to him. He was asked what deity he would choose if India were to print a divine image on currency notes as in Indonesia.
Since Goddess Laxmi is worshiped as the harbinger of wealth and prosperity, many agreed with the idea; even obliged by creating the suggested note patterns.
Many shared images of Indonesian currency to express their agreement with Swamy.
Many of the tweeple loved the idea of putting goddess Laxmi on currency notes; in fact they felt that Lord Ganesh should also be put alongside.
Someone decided to clarify the Indonesian currency exchange rate.
A lot of people thought that the idea wasn’t particularly intelligent.
Some expressed the view that perhaps it was not time for Swamy to withdraw from public life.
Some clearly did not think much of Swamy's Harvard degree. Clearly someone had already thought of this before, and the teacher had not reacted favourably to the idea.
Some also suggested that some may benefit from keeping the pictures of Goddess Saraswati on their heads to enhance IQ.
People are now taking note of the unemployment figures, manufacturing slump, agri-distress, fiscal deficit etc.; the enormity of which most of us are only now waking up to.
Many took digs at the ruling dispensation's mishandling of the economy and at the call issued by the Prime Minister, asking for suggestions to revive the country's floundering fortunes.
The internet never forgets. Many shared this old tweet of Swamy dating back to August 2013.
Inevitably, there were sarcastic responses to the suggestion
Inevitably, this meme template resurfaced with the image of Gandhiji morphed into it – main kya karoon phir, job chhod du?, asks Gandhiji.
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