BJP calls controversy over PM Modi in Gauri Lankesh murder case 'mischievous and contorted'

In an official statement on Twitter, the BJP, called the controversy "mischievous and contorted".

After the controversy erupted, several Twitter users who earlier used to follow PM Modi, blocked.

A hashtag protest has also been launched on Twitter by the users as #BlockNarendraModi.

Supporting the PM, the BJP said in the statement: "PM Modi is the only leader who freely engages with people on social media platforms.......He is a rare leader who truly believes in freedom of speech and has never blocked or unfollowed anyone on Twitter."

"PM following someone is not a character certificate of a person and is not in anyway a guarantee of how a person would conduct himself," the statement read.

In order to defend the Prime Minister in this controversy, the BJP even went on to attack Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former a BJP volunteer. "....PM also follows Rahul Gandhi, who is an accused in loot and fraud. "

"PM also follows Arvind Kejriwal, who abused him on Twitter and told a woman 'Settle Kar Lo' when she complained of a party member molesting her. PM still follows Parthesh Patel, a former BJP volunteer who joined Congress and abused PM in the worst possible language," the statement added.

The BJP has also called the debate to be "one-way street", hinting at a biased view to the whole incident. "Thus the debate is not only farcical and fake, but also an exhibit of selective right to freedom of expression."

Lankesh, who worked as an editor in a Kannada weekly Lankesh Patrikewas, was a critic of the right wing forces.

After Lankesh's death, Nikhil Dadhich tweeted to say: "Ek kuttiya kutte ki maut kya mari, saare pille ek sur mein bilbila rahe hain (Just a bitch has died a dog's death, all pups are howling in the same tune)."

Later, it was found that the PM follows Dadhich which sparked controversies.

Since then, several users started to block PM Modi as a protest.

All of them who has blocked Modi tagged someone named Dr Rakesh Parikh. Parikh claims to be Diabetologist, Clinical Researcher, Blogger, Social Activist. Ex Politician on Twitter.

Blocking the PM, Amit Behere said: "Doing something I should have done a long time back. Thanks @drrakeshparikh."

Another user, Vidyut, said: "A Prime Minister who serves a third of the country and follows those indulging in filthy abuse of others is rubbish. #BlockNarendraModi."

"#BlockNarendraModi Anyone who follows vile, vicious abusive trolls isnt & will never be my PM" Sandipan Mitra said while blocking Modi.

Image of Narendra Modi: Twitter handle of BJP.