35-yr-old ‘New Zealand scarf’ story: social media dices Modi
text_fields
Auckland: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's disclosure that he had visited New Zealand about 35 years ago has triggered widespread discussion and ridicule on social media. Speaking at the 'Kia Ora Modi' community event in Auckland, Modi said he had travelled to New Zealand long before entering government and still carefully preserved a scarf gifted to him during that visit.
Modi said this was his first visit to New Zealand as Prime Minister but recalled travelling to the country around 25 to 30 years ago in a personal capacity. He said a person had presented him with a scarf, cap and towel during that visit, adding that he had used the scarf on several occasions over the years and continued to preserve it. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was also present at the event.
The remarks have sparked intense debate online. Critics pointed to Modi's earlier speeches about having lived through extreme poverty, questioning how someone making such claims could have travelled to a distant country like New Zealand during that period. Some social media users also mocked the episode by suggesting that even a person claiming to be poor could undertake foreign travel during the Congress era.
Supporters, meanwhile, argued that the expenses for Modi's visit may have been borne by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The Prime Minister's account of the scarf has since become the subject of memes and criticism across social media platforms.
Modi arrived in New Zealand after concluding his visit to Australia. He was received at Wellington Airport by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to visit New Zealand since Rajiv Gandhi. The two leaders are expected to discuss progress on a proposed India-New Zealand free trade agreement. Earlier in Australia, Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attended an event at the Melbourne Cricket Ground promoting India-Australia sports cooperation, where former cricketer Steve Waugh was also present. Australia also expressed full support for India's bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games.