PM's message on his impending announcement triggered suspense

No sooner did Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday informed about his address to the nation than speculations went rife on the social media and television channels in Tamil Nadu on what it could be.

Minutes after Modi tweeted: "I would be addressing the nation at around 11:45 AM - 12.00 noon with an important message. Do watch the address on television, radio or social media," Tamil television channels flashed it on their screens and discussions began.

Journalists based in the national capital were asked by Tamil channel anchors on what kind of an announcement could be expected from the Prime Minister since Model Code of Conduct was in force and the country fully geared up for Parliamentary elections.

 

Quoting sources and practices followed during polls, journalists said since Modi's address was scheduled to be covered by national broadcaster Doordarashan as well, it could only be "official," rather than anything to do with politics.

No key policy decisions should be expected out of it, the journalists opined, and for about 30 minutes - since Modi made the announcement - the speculations only intensified.

Social media went hyperactive with some suggesting the message could even be a follow up to "India's war against cross border terror," and related to "national security."

Some opined that no poll code could bar the Prime Minister from sharing information related to security with the common people.

Others said the situation was akin to the Prime Minister's announcement of note ban in 2016 during an address to the nation though nothing of that sort happened.

While discussions peaked in the digital space, leaders including Chief Minister K Palaniswami and DMK chief M K Stalin were in the thick of electioneering in different parts of the state taking pot shots against each other.

Modi in his address announced that India has demonstrated anti-satellite missile capability by shooting down a live satellite, describing it as a rare achievement that puts the country in an exclusive club of space superpowers.