It was announced yesterday that if a couple is found celebrating Valentine’s Day in public in India, Hindu nationalists will force them to get married. Because, obviously.
Now, multiple news outlets have reported that the Hindu Mahasabha will also target people expressing their love for each other on social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter.
The leaders of the party say that they will be monitoring said platforms and catch those couples that say "I love you," and force them into wedlock.
Chandra Prakash Kaushik, national president, Hindu Mahasabha, said in a TOI report:
"Display of love in the entire Valentine's week is equivalent to not following Indian traditions. Anyone found displaying love on Facebook, Twitter or WhatsApp will be caught hold of. A total of eight teams have already been formed in Delhi to keep a check on social media."
"We will be prompt about our social media campaign from Feb 8 onwards. Once Delhi elections are over, our teams will first apprise masses about what true love is and that a western festival should not be celebrated in the country. But if they do not adhere to our advice, we will inbox them and ask for their contact numbers and addresses, reach their house and get them married."
"If they refuse to share their numbers, we will contact their parents — especially those who are active online — and ask them to get them married if they really love each other."
The police, however, disagree with this social media policing:
"It might be Valentine's Day or any other day, no one has the right to do moral policing. But if the members of the outfit involve themselves in any such activity, they should be ready to face legal action," Inspector general Alok Sharma told The Times of India.
People on Twitter don't seem to agree with it either.
There is this girl who rejected me. I have askd her to meet me in a park on Feb14.Hope someone will get us married. #HinduMahasabha
Now #HinduMahasabha says those posting 'I love you' on social media will be married off. Fine. I Love You Che. 😍 😘
Will my wish be fulfilled? This 14th Feb., I am gonna say "I love you" to my imaginary friend on social media. #HinduMahasabha
Is anyone in love with the daughter of a #HinduMahasabha Member? Plz take her out with a rose want to see their faces after forced marriage
I am totally going to try and hang out with @iHrithik on V-Day. Dear #HinduMahasabha please please do get us married.
#HinduMahasabha says they welcome inter-faith marriages since "all residents of India are Hindus". Hahahaha Keep believing that guys lol
