Virtual world abuzz with poll battle

Avneet Kaur

Jalandhar, December 8

Keeping in view the effective role social media plays in dissemination of information, candidates aspiring to make it to the MC House are using such platforms to garner support.

The candidates are making their presence felt on Facebook and WhatsApp alongside using the conventional electioneering methods, such as door-to-door campaigning. A neck and neck battle is being witnessed.

The social media platforms are flooded with pictures of candidates visiting their constituencies to lure voters. Supporters of these candidates make sure that pictures related to their campaigns and their messages are regularly flashed in the virtual world.

Even the profile pics of many facebook and WhatsApp users can be seen replaced by the posters of their favourite candidates. The kin and friends of the contestants are leaving no stone unturned to lure the voters. Posts with manifesto promises are getting viral.

For most of the candidates, their social media accounts are being handled by family members and friends. “When you go for a door-to-door campaign, you hardly meet youngsters. They are easily approachable on social media,” said a friend of a candidate.

The mass mobile messaging services are also being used. Narinder Kumar, a retired bank official, said, “The candidates will definitely try each and every method, especially the virtual world, as the mainstream media has projected social media as a significant way in defining the voting pattern and attracting the youth.”

However, it is yet to be seen if the virtual war among candidates helps them out as voters mostly know their candidates by face and are well aware of what they have done in the previous tenures. Meanwhile for new candidates, the social media might turn out to be fruitful, he added.