Indian politicians hardly laugh at themselves, especially during an election season.

Neeraj Zimba, a GNLF leader who is contesting the Darjeeling Assembly bypoll on the BJP symbol, is indulging in self-deprecating jokes, which many believe is turning out to be a smart campaign strategy.

Observers draw a parallel between Zimba’s campaign and an incident revolving around former US President John F. Kennedy.

Zimba’s post on his Facebook pages reads: “Don’t vote for chotta, Vote for Mota.”

The GNLF in its official Facebook page has another one: “Don’t Press NOTA, Vote for MOTA.”

Mota in Nepali means a fat person and Zimba does look a shade overweight. Chotta means a deceitful person.

The post is accompanied by a cartoon of Zimba, and some people have likened him to South Korean pop sensation PSY, whose satire and fun-poking song “Gangnam Style” had taken the world by storm.

A source in the GNLF said: “The idea is to connect with young voters.”

Zimba’s rivals have often taunted the GNLF leader for being a bhura (pot-bellied).

“The strategy to turn the tables seems to be working well for Zimba,” said an observer.

Self-deprecating humour might be a think of the past but one such famous incident revolves around Kenndy.

A March 4, 2016, article on Washington Post website states Kenndy, who as a rising-star senator from Massachusetts while addressing dinner, had drawn a piece of paper from his pocket and said: “I just received the following wire from my generous daddy. ‘Dear Jack, don’t buy a single vote more than is necessary. I’ll be damned if I’m going to pay for a landslide’.”

The article by the Post gives a perspective to Kennedy’s statement: “To his detractors, Kennedy was a callow vessel for the ambitions of his wealthy and powerful father. So why would he tell a joke that copped to what so many thought to be his greatest liability?”

Many political commentators believe self-deprecating jokes by leaders help people connect with the common mass better.

Zimba didn’t respond to calls from The Telegraph.

The GNLF’s social media cell has also posted pictures of its president Mann Ghisingh leading a rally by riding a bike. Many were quick to point out that Ghisingh should wear a helmet while riding a bike.