New Delhim July 22: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president Amit Shah was added in as many as 1800 WhatsApp groups of the party's Delhi unit. According to the Delhi BJP, Amit Shah was included in WhatsApp groups to provide party workers 'direct information' and 'curb fake news' in the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari is also in each WhatsApp group.

In its preparation for the upcoming general elections, BJP's Delhi unit leaders are revising teams up to Mandal-level and bringing the party office-bearers and workers on various social media platforms, including WhatsApp. Last month, Amit Shah had warned BJP workers against posting fake news and spreading false messages on social media platforms. Shah had said that fake messages hurt the party's credibility.

"We are trying to bring all the party office-bearers and workers on social media platforms. So far, over 1800 WhatsApp groups have been formed, and the number is increasing. The move is aimed to provide direct information and stem fake news," Neelkant Bakshi, Head (media relations) and co-in charge of Delhi BJP's social media unit, told news agency PTI.

The WhatsApp groups formed by the Delhi BJP will go in a long way to ensure that the party's directions and assignments are being undertaken sincerely by its office bearers and workers, Neelkant Bakshi said. The party has also planned social media meets to be held at district and Mandal levels in the coming months to spread the messages of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and achievements of the BJP-led government at the centre, he said.

The focus will be to reach out to the younger generation that depends more on social media for information and news than traditional sources like newspapers and television channels, he added. (With agency inputs)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 22, 2018 10:13 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).