Social Media & Indian Politics
The Election Study about “Social Media and Politics” is very much diversified. This study is an in-depth analysis of 2014 Elections. The success of BJP’s online campaign in 2014 Lok Sabha election was phenomenonal. Other parties also went up with the same way. All parties played war to spend on social media. It was to expand the reach of their mass contact campaign for the Maharashtra Assembly polls. They failed to gain power but 2014 Assembly elections in India. But it witnessed the biggest change in Indian politics. Regional parties in Maharashtra have finally understood the power of social media. They have jumped into it.
The 2014 general elections in India was revolutionary. It saw social media as a new battleground. Narendra Modi emerged as India’s Obama. The conventional ways of sending messages, recorded calls and public gatherings was not seen much. This election saw politicians leveraging. Social media used to reach out to constituents like never before. Many of them were reluctant earlier. But they have now become active. Its either out of necessity. It helped to keep up with their peers. Many political parties also made it mandatory. Thus, it won’t be incorrect to say that role of social media in politics has ben inevitable over the years.
Ruling Congress defeated
In Maharashtra, The ruling party – Congress was defeated. Congress were in power for 10 years. Whole and sole responsible person for Phenomenon was Narendra Modi. For the first time in India social media was used so extensively during elections. The study shows that NaMo is the most active and popular personality on twitter. Twitter including all other popular social networking sites. The news channels’exit polls became the key ingredient for success of Modi and BJP. The main aim of this article is to understand the impact of social media on the Indian politics.
The other reality is interesting. About 50% of voters in 2014 were below 35%. Almost 40% of them were from urban areas. Political parties who till the day have been continuously wooed the rural crowds. Now they have been forced to rethink on their strategy. Today’s youth, whether urban or rural, is spending their maximum time online. Thats why 2014 assembly elections saw the mad rush. It was by the regional political parties of Maharashtra to built up a social media presence.
Impact of Social Media on Indian Politics
India’s 16th National general election which was held in nine phases during April and May, 2014. It was probably one of the most awaited elections in the recent times. It was due to the changing Politics of India. Social media played a vital role in deciding which party wins the most seats. A interesting report published in April 2013 by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI). The Mumbai-based Iris Knowledge Foundation, assisted IAMAI in the study. Don’t you think herein, you should learn about social media marketing courses in Mumbai? Facebook users have a tremendous impact over the results of the polls in 160 of India‘s 543 constituencies. The reason for this is the youth of India. As per study, 50% of population is below 25 age group. Secondly, 65 % is below 35 % age group. This population is either studying in college or working in various companies. Companies such as IT companies, BPO‘s, research centres and various other sectors or are either entrepreneur. Their busy schedule has created a virtual distance between television and radio. It is specially in case of acquiring or sharing information. The youth is tech savvy and love being connected with updated trends and topics. Such connectivity is possible by using laptops, desktops or the most favourite a network connected mobiles.
Social Media – Only way to reach out to youth
Social Media Strategy to Win Elections 2014 of Political Parties: BJP, Congress & AAP
India is the third largest user of Twitter in the world, with an estimated 23.2 million active users, up from 11.5 million in 2013. Market researcher group Emarketer estimates that Twitter will have around 40 million users in India by 2018.
That is a sizable number. No surprise then that political parties are reaching out to voters with the help of social media arms such as Twitter.
BJP’s Twitter feed lead the race
The study found that the BJP’s Twitter feed dealt with campaign updates (28 per cent) and criticism of other political parties or moves (24 per cent). It also posted the second-highest in proportion and the highest in absolute numbers of self-promotion tweets (19 per cent as against AAP’s 35 per cent).
The study says the BJP often tweeted the words “thank you” while the Congress’s pet phrases included “Gandhi Gandhi” (in a single tweet). AAP used old emotional slogans such as ” Satyamev Jayate” and “Azaadi ladai”.
It concludes that the winning party’s electoral success [in 2014] is significantly associated with its use of Twitter for engaging voters.
Not surprisingly, others are embracing Twitter. In Maharashtra, the BJP state unit campaigned extensively on social media for Assembly elections – and ended up forming the government in the state. Thus, there has been optimum use of social media in politics.
Social Media Savvy Politicians
Social media has become an integral part of our lives. Facebook and Twitter tend to provide news faster than most news channels today. Celebrities, sports stars and corporate head honchos are present on these sites so that they can keep in touch with people. They keep their fans and followers informed of latest updates, promote their work and listen to what people have to say.
Lately, many politicians have also taken to social media like a fish to water. The best examples are Arvind Kejriwal and our Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Their updates on Facebook and Twitter keep us informed about latest happenings and future plans.
Bottomline
These young politicians of India have adopted social media because they know that is where today’s youth is. These leaders believe in inclusive growth and have always encouraged the youth to participate in politics. They believe, is instrumental in the development of Maharashtra and invariable of India. We encourage readers of this article to connect with these leaders and back them in their initiatives. Thus, advocating the role of social media in political campaigns to a great extent.
With increasing use of internet and mobiles, Social media strategy becomes an essential part of a political campaign that is widely used by most politicians today to get the engagement of potential voters as a part of the political campaign. Social networks are a great platform for expansion for everyone in this world for free. By 30 to 60-second post on social media; the politician can reach billions of citizens in free of cost.