Jaitley Says “Half-Maoist”, Twitter Goes Full Bonkers

Twitter wasn’t going to stay quiet about Jaitley’s coining of the new term, and it immediately gained currency.

The alleged Maoist assassination plot against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashta Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has received immediate reactions from BJP leaders concerned for the PM’s safety.

Union Minister Arun Jaitley took aim at the alleged conspirators in a Facebook blog post, warning against an increased Maiost influence across the country. His comments were summarised in a tweet from his official account.

The “half Maoist” is a serious threat to Indian democracy. Willingly or otherwise, they become over-ground face of the underground. Unfortunately some political parties see the Maoist as their instrument in the anti-NDA cause. It’s high time that people recognise this malaise.

— Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) June 8, 2018

Twitter wasn’t going to stay quiet about the BJP veteran’s coining of the new term, and it immediately gained currency – but first, an etymological musing.

Why do I get the feeling that the term #HalfMaoist was inspired by @chetan_bhagat's #HalfGirlfriend?

— Nakul Singh Sawhney (@nakulssawhney) June 9, 2018

Both sides of the political spectrum got involved in debating the connotations of “Half-Maoist”, either lampooning Jaitley or sticking by his acumen in identifying a viable threat to democracy.

Its More than Half-Legit...!

True. It has become a grave threat in TN with DMK becoming fully under the control of such "half Maoist" https://t.co/178KFRjKYB

— H Raja (@HRajaBJP) June 8, 2018

Half Maoist are more dangerous than their full fledged version.

— anil kumar m sheth (@anilkumarmsheth) June 9, 2018

Admission of association from highest echelons of @INCIndia and friends of @RahulGandhi that they are indeed planning for eliminating Modiji in cahoot with half maoist @centerofright @prasannavishy https://t.co/gSJsz9rIRj

— The Sultan of Moral Victories (@Keefarqpaindha) June 9, 2018

Half Maoist are more dangerous than weaponed maoist.They attack on your thought process and you start beliving that they may be right.Threat to third class presstitutes is real but when its Modi its fake.बहुत गुस्सा आ रहा है चप्पल कहाँ है? https://t.co/LKxYDuHYq5

— Sushma Singh (@SushmaAnand89) June 9, 2018

#ModiAssassinationPlot urban naxalaites coined as half Maoist are more dangerous than those who have weapons as they can't be identified and are spoiling nation like a termite

— Arun Sharma (@mazerunner2016) June 8, 2018

‘Half-Baked is What it is, Mr Jaitley!’

Many members of the Opposition lashed out against Jaitley’s insinuation.

When "Urban Naxal" failed to click, they're now trying "half Maoist" - to smear anyone who speaks for justice and the rights of the poor and marginalised, challenges bigotry and atrocities by the State or non-State goons, defends Constitutional liberties. https://t.co/2KsW53UULb

— Kavita Krishnan (@kavita_krishnan) June 9, 2018

It's convenient to call anyone who opposes the "fully facsist" & "fully Ambani/Adani/NiMo" govt, a "half Maoist". But it is sinister to arrest innocent people by claiming "plot to kill Modi". https://t.co/x1RRT2YUzC

— Prashant Bhushan (@pbhushan1) June 9, 2018

What is more dangerous half Maoist or full facist? @arunjaitley https://t.co/AnCl7D2lHe

— Manish Tewari (@ManishTewari) June 9, 2018

Sir, with respect, "overground" "underground" "half Maoist" these sound like terms coined in late 1960s & early 70s, for Kanu Sanyal & Charu Mazumdar and Naxalites of yore. Today's citizens protests against state's flawed patronage networks can't all be branded anti-national https://t.co/pDGJiyuX2t

— Sagarika Ghose (@sagarikaghose) June 9, 2018

@arunjaitley

Sir , I think you mentioned your own part BJP as half Maoists for introspection sake
Will BJP listen?https://t.co/MHPwW3s4kU

— Dharmasthapana (@jaysusri1) June 9, 2018

H is for Humour

However serious the matter be, Twitter will always manage to find a lighter side to things amidst the political chaos.

What's this silly 'half Maoist" business ? It's like saying some one is half pregnant !! https://t.co/ZpWWFkygWm

— Mrinal Pande (@MrinalPande1) June 9, 2018

Half Maoist pic.twitter.com/10Sb73HhoE

— Sachin Tandon (@cugwmui) June 9, 2018

#HalfMaoist The strange sighting of Half-Maoists: How does one recognize these creatures? What should one do if she spots a half-maoist? Are they half humans? This is a concern for all Earthlings.

— Minu Ittyipe (@Sins_Of_Syntax) June 9, 2018

Now I understand why Modi jee going to China so often. To find the difference btwn "Full Maoist" & "Half Maoist" @arunjaitley

— Dipankar (@DipankarDJ17) June 9, 2018