When Chetan Bhagat first came to the limelight, it was for all the good reasons. Best selling author, the voice of the Indian youth and what not. His novels were relatable to his young audience and this led to a few of them being adapted into movies in Bollywood. However, there is a fall to every high, and Chetan soon found himself as the target of incessant trolling.
Often his outspoken tweets would be thrashed and accused of being politically inclined agendas. And now, it seems like Chetan has had enough of it.
The author today, penned a long note on Facebook announcing that he would be adopting a ‘No More Explanations Policy (NMEP)’.
In his post which he shared on Twitter as well, Chetan states what exactly this policy of his will entail.
His post starts off by explaining why he has felt obliged to give answers up until now:
“The way I was brought up, it was considered rude not to respond to people. Especially when they seemed to have some doubts about what you said.
Based on that etiquette, I made the mistake of explaining myself when some on Twitter questioned me – whether on my politics, my old versus new tweets, my views or whatever.”
He goes on to say how he has clarified multiple times that he does not take permanent sides in politics. He makes it clear that his views are based only on what he thinks and not on what others want him to or perceive him to think.
He continues as follows:
Hence, there are numerous columns, tweets that are both pro and anti BJP/Congress. Of course, being objective doesn’t mean you cannot praise someone. Neither does being brave mean you have to abuse and yell and scream at every allegation against any leader.No, I am not a news channel to report on everything (hence those ‘where were you…’ tweets that you send are stupid.) No, I don’t become a bhakt if I found a train clean or some government agency did a good job (but you do come across as stupid for saying so). No, I won’t abuse with the same intensity, as you hate a leader or party because, well, I simply don’t hate them or anyone that way. My views on the economy and policy are consistent, and if you actually were inclined to listen and learn I would have explained so.”
He adds that whenever he tries to clarify things, it just makes it worse. He chalks this up to the people trolling him feeling exposed and threatened which results in them outraging even more. Chetan says this is because they would never accept that they were wrong on Twitter.
Having said as much, Chetan goes on to announce his new policy:
I won’t be explaining things. So, call me rude, say you made me speechless or you caught me – the fact is simply this – it is NMEP at play.I also want to end with one thing – some Indians respect you more if you are arrogant. So if I gently respond or explain my point, they almost think he’s fair game to be a punching bag. However, many celebrities and political leaders who remain silent inspire awe and respect. Of course, only people with low self-esteem respect the arrogant ones and don’t be rude in real life. However, on social media, I will have NMEP, and that will lead to some respecting me more.”
He says the policy is great for him as it will save him time while getting him more respect and mental peace.
He ends his post with the proclamation that he might share this NMEP note again from time to time as required. Chetan says this would act as a reminder to anyone who may want to question him or write articles or draw cartoons about something he said 9 months ago.
Chetan’s declaration out of the blue has been met with mixed reactions from the Netizens. While some appreciated his move, others trolled him again for it:
1. This user is clearly not impressed.
Writes a TL;DR post 'explaining' his No More Explanations Policy (NMEP) … Only an Insecure Writer who had to Eat his own Words can do this. #FacePalm https://t.co/0eAKa8dQo5
— Godot (@OddieBirdie) May 24, 2018
2. Bad time to ask him to take a chill pill, don’t you think?
Bas kar bhai, itna load mat le. Nas fat jayega.
— 2020 ACAB (@AKPandey89) May 24, 2018
3. A new policy suggestion.
But why tweet at all in the first place if not wanting to explain?
A NMTP (No More Tweeting Policy) may make life vastly simpler no?— EcoMan (@EcoManOne) May 24, 2018
4. Is it though?
Now that's a smart policy to escape questions. When you can't reply or counter a point, use NMEP.
— Vaishali ✌🏼 (@TimeTideRide) May 24, 2018
5. Some defended him as well.
You don't need to explain yourself!
But always have an open mind and ear to others too 🙂
That's all sir! More power to you!— Vasudha (@WordsSlay) May 24, 2018
6. Oh, so that’s what it is.
Modiji became PM by adopting the same policy, I am sure you'd go places too
— Aamir Khan (@aamirkhan78) May 24, 2018
7. Very few indeed.
No need to explain anybody Sir ..
You have your thoughts and point of view ..
But don't stop writing in against or favor ..
Very few people are there who speaks truth !!!— Ankul Dravid 🇮🇳 (@ankuldravid) May 24, 2018
8. There’s one everywhere.
bas kar pagle.. rulayega kyaa..😢
— ZERO صفر (@iamSiffr) May 24, 2018
Chetan’s revelation does make you think how celebrities are held accountable for each and every single word they say or every move that they make. They are often over analysed and just assumed to be of so and so way. And since barely anyone bothers with a fact check anymore, Chetan’s post rings even truer. What do you think? Will this new policy work in his favour?