PM Modi interacts with gamers, says he would refrain from using "Noob" during elections

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi used “noob,” a term in vogue in the gaming community used for denote those who display a lack of skill or knowledge to take a veiled jibe that appeared to target Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

PM Modi released a video of his candid conversation with a few famed online video gamers recorded at his residence last month. “Had a wonderful interaction with youngsters from the gaming community... You would love to watch this!,” PM Modi said on X and attached the recorded video.

The gamers who met with the Prime Minister included Tirth Mehta, Animesh Agarwal, Anshu Bisht, Naman Mathur, Mithilesh Patankar, Ganesh Gangadhar, and Payal Dhare.

During the free-wheeling interaction, the gamers discussed some gaming terminologies with PM Modi which also included "noob". PM Narendra Modi couldn’t control his laughter on hearing the term "noob".

"If I use this word during elections, people will wonder who am I referring to. If I say it, you will assume it is aimed at a particular person," he said to the gamers.

Bollywood actress and BJP leader Kangana Ranaut posted on X, "Who is this Noob?"

BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla also took a swipe at Congress leaders over PM Modi's "noob" jibe and said, "Noob PM @narendramodi did not name anybody but why are Congress leaders reacting and confirming ki Rajniti ka Noob kaun hai."

Meanwhile, during his interaction, PM Modi also discussed differences between gaming and gambling. He also asked gamers to send an e-mail mentioning all their problems with exact key points to his office.

"To regulate would not be ideal because it is the nature of government to intervene, that is its fundamental nature. Either impose restrictions under the law or try to understand and mould it basis our country's needs. Bring it under an organised, legal structure and uplift the reputation," Modi said on being asked if there could be a regulatory body for gaming.

"Once that is achieved, it will be hard for anyone to bring it down. My endeavour is to uplift the nation to a level that by 2047, the middle class does not require unnecessary government intervention. Otherwise, we will remain trapped in the cycle of paperwork, documents and legal systems. It is the poor who need the government the most in difficult times..." Modi said.

The gaming industry in India peaked in 2019 and since then, various games have emerged based on Indian mythology, and the government has been recognizing the creativity.

While the country's Esports landscape is mobile-dominated, it is the PC title League of Legends that is making the country proud. Despite the game having no official server in India, the determination and passion of the game's talented athletes saw them utilize their skills to impressively qualify for the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou.