Politics has always provided prime fodder for comedy. While we civilians perk our ears up and start paying more attention to the news during election season, comedians keep track of the moves of politicians throughout the year.
While 800 million voters of the Indian electorate will cast their votes in the largest act of democracy in the world that is General Elections 2014, a few thousands are rubbing their hands in gleeful anticipation of a ridiculous quote, antic or mannerism that they can spin into a hilarious video, gif of standup routine.
It is no surprise then, that our newsfeeds are flooded with spoofs, parodies and the increasingly arbitrary ‘Abki baar Modi sarkar’ memes. Even as this reporter writes this article, news has broken that Arvind Kejriwal has been slapped a second time and not less than an hour after the news has broken online a Kejru says: “ Modi se dar nahi lagta saahab, thappad se lagta hai (‘not scared of Modi, scared of slap,’ an obvious take off from Salman Khan’s Dabangg ) ” has begun trending on Facebook.
As if Rahul Gandhi’s interview with Arnab Goswami didn’t generate enough laughs already, several spoofs have surfaced online.
All India Bakchod (AIB)’s video ‘Thank You, Dear Congress’ bids an early goodbye to the UPA government in a tribute of sorts.
“You stashed away all our money but made it easy to be funny.” say the very heartfelt lyrics which go on to say that the party is every comedy writer’s dream.
Nayak 2: A common man rises , offers AIB’s hilarious take on the Aam Admi party and The Har Hath Lolipop ads featuring children is also a fresh and funny take on the Congress ad campaign. Oddly, while video spoofs on the Congress and Aam Admi Party are plenty, save for a handful of clips, including one that has Modi’s face superimposed on Hrithik Roshan’s Krrish , the ‘Abki Baar Modi Sarkar’ memes make up the bulk of BJP jokes.
It’s not just the videos and memes that are doing the rounds but a few fake Facebook and Twitter offer comic relief. Users can follow Monmuhin or Norinder Mudi on Facebook or Twitter for a satirical take on the politicians. These lovable alter egos provide us insights on everything from the IPL to inflation.
Given such choice subjects and situations as those created by eager to please politicians on campaign routes, comedians are making hay while the sun shines.
With only a few days left for the polls, they may be running out of election jokes but no matter who wins, there’s sure to be plenty of material on the other side.
