Political parties take digital mode for UP elections

WHILE THE BJP already has a good presence on social media platforms, the SP and others are putting in efforts to strengthen their digital army and chalking out strategies to boost their support base

Lucknow (UP), Jan. 10: With the Election Commission imposing restrictions on poll rallies till January 15 in the wake of rising Covid cases, political parties in Uttar Pradesh are gearing up for virtual campaigning. While the BJP already has a good presence on social media platforms, the Samajwadi Party (SP) and others are putting in efforts to strengthen their digital army and chalking out strategies to boost their support base.

“We are miles ahead of rival parties in leveraging our social media presence. Further, we are working on a strategy for virtual campaigns,” BJP state media in-charge Manish Dixit told PTI.

The party has assigned separate responsibilities to booth level office-bearers to associate people on WhatsApp, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and other platforms, he said.

BJP’s main rival SP is also preparing for virtual campaigns.

The party has been telecasting key events and press conferences addressed or attended by party chief Akhilesh Yadav on its YouTube channel.

“It’s difficult to reach out to rural folk through digital platforms but the party is looking at the best possible ways,” SP national spokesperson Ashutosh Verma said.

“In rural areas, 40 per cent people do not use smart phones but the SP’s focus is on youths, who mostly have them (smartphones). The party has been creating thousands of WhatsApp groups in rural areas and adding youths,” Verma said.

The AAP termed the EC's directive for virtual campaigns a blessing and said it will use its experience in social media to whip up support.

The party’s state spokesperson Vaibhav Maheshwari said the AAP always believed in reaching people individually and social media was the best way to establish this connection.