Modi Removes Chowkidar Prefix

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has won a huge mandate for a second term in power, dropped the prefix "Chowkidar" (Watchman) from his Twitter profile today, saying it would remain an integral part of him.

"Now, the time has come to take the Chowkidar Spirit to the next level. Keep this spirit alive at every moment and continue working for India's progress. The word 'Chowkidar' goes from my Twitter name but it remains an integral part of me. Urging you all to do the same too!

The people of India became Chowkidars and rendered great service to the nation. Chowkidar has become a powerful symbol to safeguard India from the evils of casteism, communalism, corruption and cronyism," tweeted PM Modi.

BJP chief Amit Shah followed suit. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and Textiles Minister Smriti Irani also reverted to their original Twitter handles.

Starting with the campaign for the 2014 national elections, PM Modi had called himself a chowkidar referring to his role in protecting the national interest.