Calling it a social media scam, BJP spokesperson Jyoti Kiran said Gehlot's Facebook page, operated by a dedicated tech team, had 1,69,077 'Likes' until June 1, with the highest number of 'Likes' coming in the week of May 5.
However, the number jumped to 2,14,639 by June 30, which also overtook May 5 as the most popular week, Kiran said. Until June 1, Gehlot's 'most popular city', a feature that shows where most followers come from, was Jaipur. But after the jump in 'Likes', it changed to Istanbul, she claimed.
"Some IT companies are in the business of selling 'Likes' in bulk...giving a false impression of one's popularity," Kiran said and questioned how Gehlot was being so talked about in Istanbul. Gehlot, she alleged, had bought 'Likes' from IT firms in Istanbul.
"The Congress party has been trying to project a false image even on social media," Kiran alleged.
Congress spokesperson Archana Sharma trashed the allegation. "The CM is a popular figure and he does not need to stoop to that level. 'Likes' on Facebook can come from anywhere, even the United States. What is so suspicious about it?" she said.