The Election Commission’s decision on digital campaigning and submitting nominations online this election season has left many political parties in limbo. Apart from the BJP, others, even Congress, have never bothered to understand the future of virtual spaces and social media to attract voters.
Realizing that it may be too late for the upcoming state assembly polls to match the BJP’s footprint, Congress has begun preparations for the 2024 election.
Soon, the Congress will launch an interactive app (‘sanvaad’ app) where Rahul Gandhi will answer the queries of a common man. A senior leader associated with the process said, “No, it will not be a broadcast of his (Rahul Gandhi) speeches or a PR work like the Namo app. It will be interactive. You can ask any question and the stress would be on the common man to ask him anything. Also, he will be regularly on the Internet through the app.”
Interestingly, top congressional leaders are now aware of WhatsApp culture. After being cynical about it and criticizing the BJP for peddling fake news via WhatsApp, the GOP is now planning a Rahul Gandhi WhatsApp group in which party cadres at district level will be part of it. State assembly committees and district chiefs will be responsible for ensuring WhatsApp messages reach every door. The only question is how to make sure everyone gets the message? To that end, congressional-ruled states have been co-opted to provide funding and infrastructure to ensure core voters are targeted and connected to voting banks.
Complete News Source : News18
