Actor Prakash Raj’s satirical cartoon targeting PM Modi ignites backlash from BJP circles and actress Rupali Ganguly.
In the thick of India’s 2025 election season, a cartoon shared by actor-activist Prakash Raj has stirred fresh political controversy. Known for his open criticism of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Raj posted a satirical meme following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s impassioned Jaisalmer speech, where Modi famously said: “Khoon nahi, sindoor khaulta hai.”
Raj’s cartoon, branded “Operation Sindoor”, reimagined a blood donation camp as a sindoor (vermilion) donation centre, directly mocking the cultural and emotional symbolism deployed in political rhetoric. His caption —
“Nothing but Only ELECTIONS running through the veins #justasking” —
Nothing but Only ELECTIONS running through the veins #justasking pic.twitter.com/qu5jKDFzhk
— Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) May 23, 2025
was a sharp jab at what he sees as performative nationalism for electoral gain. The meme lit up social media and provoked reactions from BJP supporters, the party’s Telangana unit, and actress Rupali Ganguly, who didn’t mince words in her rebuke.
What Did Prakash Raj Post & Why Did It Trigger Backlash?
The cartoon was Prakash Raj’s satirical response to PM Modi’s statement that “sindoor” runs through his veins — a metaphor expressing emotional devotion and sacrifice. The meme flipped the statement into satire by depicting a fictional “Sindoor Donation Camp,” implying that the emotional imagery was nothing more than an election gimmick.
This was in line with Raj’s longstanding narrative that BJP uses emotional, religious, or military imagery to sway voters during elections — particularly through events like surgical strikes, border security, or religious symbolism.
Enter Rupali Ganguly, a popular TV actress, who took to X (formerly Twitter) to slam Raj’s meme as “low level,” saying:
“Such a low level Prakash Ji! Even lower than the voting percentage you got in the 2019 elections.”
The comment went viral, energizing Modi supporters, who hailed her as standing up for national pride and dignity. Prakash Raj did not immediately respond, but the digital firestorm was already raging. Fans and followers on both sides engaged in heated arguments, quote-tweeting, and meme warfare.
What was the BJP Telangana response?
While taking it on X, a tweet from BJP Telangana, Known for aggressive social media counterattacks, the BJP Telangana X handle often shares memes and symbolic clapbacks against public figures critical of the PM or party.
In this incident, they’ve used metaphors (including calling Raj a “pig in the mud”) to delegitimize what they see as elitist, out-of-touch, or agenda-driven attacks.
Both are same ?#justsaying https://t.co/S0PPeb022n pic.twitter.com/voaBRdvUN5
— BJP Telangana (@BJP4Telangana) May 23, 2025
Also, supporter handles and BJP digital wings quickly amplified Rupali Ganguly’s comment, using it to portray Raj as a “repeat offender” who disrespects Hindu sentiments and national leadership under the guise of satire.
BJP and its Supporters argue that Raj’s tone mocks sacred symbols like sindoor and equates national sentiment with political exploitation — a form of insult masked as humour.
In an age where memes can go viral within minutes, political commentary isn’t just made through speeches or op-eds — it’s made in cartoons, hashtags, and retweets. When public figures like Prakash Raj use satire, and others like Rupali Ganguly respond emotionally, it creates narratives that can influence voter mood, perception, and identity. It’s no longer just a meme — it’s part of the message.
The “Operation Sindoor” cartoon, Prakash Raj’s latest jab at the BJP, underscores the fragile balance between humour and hurt, especially during high-stakes elections. Whether it was an eye-opener or an insult depends on which political lens one views it through. One thing’s clear: as India’s digital battlefield grows louder, every meme is now a manifesto — and every cartoon a campaign.
