Social media is hot potato in UP power corridors

CM Adityanath told BJP cadre to exercise cautionwhile expressing themselves on social media

The spectre of social media permeating every aspect of our daily lives notwithstanding, the subject has become a virtual hot potato in Uttar Pradesh.

Not only serving government and police officials have been asked to sparingly use social media platforms to express their opinion over controversial and sensitive issues, but the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ministers and leaders have also been cautioned in this regard.

Recently, a 2000 batch UP cadre Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Himanshu Kumar, was suspended for his comments on social media platform of Twitter allegedly criticising the Yogi Adityanath government over purported transfers. The tweets were later, however, deleted.

In this backdrop, UP Director General of Police (DGP) Javeed Ahmad has already issued an advisory to his force to detest from commenting over social media on issues of politics, religion, government, gender, caste etc.

Besides, the cops have been barred from commenting on fellow officers and personnel over the social media, besides sharing any such information which is available with them by virtue of their police connection.

Meanwhile, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also told BJP ministers, legislators and office bearers to exercise caution and discretion while expressing themselves or commenting on social media lest it may create any controversy or embarrass the state government.

Yogi had first offered this advise to the BJP council of ministers and legislators on March 19, which he reiterated today at the party's legislature party meeting here.