DARJEELING BJP CANDIDATE'S CAMPAIGN Mota mocks himself to garner votes in bypoll

VIVEK CHHETRI, TT, 08 May 2019, Darjeeling: Indian politicians hardly laugh at themselves, especially during an election season.
Neeraj Zimba, a GNLF leader who is contesting the Darjeeling Assembly bypoll on the BJP symbol, is indulging in self-deprecating jokes, which many believe is turning out to be smart campaign strategy.

Observers draw a parallel between Zimba's campaign and an incident revolving around former US President John F. Kennedy.

Zimba's post on his Facebook pages reads: "Don't vote for chotta, VOTE FOR MOTA. The GNLF in its official Facebook page has another one: "Don't Press NOTA, Vote for MOTA. Mota in Nepali means a fat person and Zimba does look a shade overweight. Chotta means a deceitful person.

The post is accompanied by a cartoon of Zimba, and some people have likened him to South Korean pop sensation PSY, whose satire and fun-poking song "Gangnam Style" had taken the world by storm.

A source in the GNLF, however, said: "The idea is to connect with young voters. Zimba's rivals have often taunted the GNLF leader for being a bhura (pot-bellied).

"The strategy to turn the tables seems to be working well for Zimba," said an observer.

Self-deprecating humour might be a think of the past but one such famous incident revolves around Kenndy.

A March 4, 2016, article on Washington Post website states Kenndy, who as a rising-star senator from Massachusetts while addressing dinner, had drawn a piece of paper from his pocket and said: "I just received the following wire from my generous daddy. `Dear Jack, don't buy a single vote more than is necessary. I'll be damned if I'm going to pay for a landslide'The article by the Post gives a perspective to Kennedy's statement: "To his detractors, Kennedy was a callow vessel for the ambitions of his wealthy and powerful father. So why would he tell a joke that copped to what so many thought to be his greatest liability?" 

Many political commentators believe self-deprecating jokes by leaders help people connect with the common mass better. The GNLF's social media cell has also posted pictures of its president Mann Ghisingh leading a rally by riding a bike. Many were quick to point out that Ghisingh should wear a helmet while riding a bike..