Social media has changed the dynamics the way politics was conducted a decade ago. Politicians now used various social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube to interact with people. It is also an innovative platform to run election campaigns. People can now reach out to politicians directly without following any protocol. They can register their grievances and even express their opinions on various government policies, so this has made our leaders more accountable to voters.
As Lok Sabha elections are around the corner, so in 2018, Indian politicians used social media aggressively. Where on one side, opposition parties missed no opportunity to criticise the government, on the other hand, the ruling government counter-attacked the opposition on various issues.
Here is the list of the most active politicians on Social media:
1) Narendra Modi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is one of the most active politicians on social media. In 2014, he used social media effectively to reach out to voters. From slamming the opposition to highlighting the achievement of his government, PM Modi is always made his presence felt by his posts.
Misgovernance and corruption most adversely impact the poor.
On various parameters, compare the working of the NDA with the previous Government.
Ours is a Government that has diligently worked to fulfil the dreams of the poor. pic.twitter.com/qABlMYsTFI
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 25, 2018
2) Sushma Swaraj: Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj is the most easily approachable minister of the Modi cabinet. Swaraj was just a tweet away to help the Indians stuck in foreign countries.
Indian Embassy is working hard to locate Mr. Ravi Mandan. Embassy officials were in concerned Police Station in Senegal till 12:30 AM yesterday night with Mr. Venkatesh regarding this. Police Chief assured of highest priority to this matter. Embassy will continue its efforts.
— India in Senegal (@IndiainSenegal) December 30, 2018
3) Smriti Irani: Actress turned politician remained in the news for her social media posts. She also drew flak for her posts on Sabarimala Protest. Irani not only targeted opposition parties through her posts, but also used social media platforms to highlight the work done by her ministry
4) Rahul Gandhi: Congress president Rahul Gandhi left no opportunity to attack the Narendra Modi-led government on social media over various issues like Rafale Deal and farmers’ issue. His tweets were witty highlighting issues of political importance which attracted attention from people
The Congress Party has finally jolted Narendra Ji from his deep slumber on Gabbar Singh Tax.
Though still drowsy, he now wants to implement what he had earlier called the Congress Party’s, “Grand Stupid Thought”.
Better late then never Narendra Ji!
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 20, 2018
5) Shashi Tharoor: The man with the vast vocabulary and impeccable grammar, the Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram targeted opponents in his own style.
My new book, THE PARADOXICAL PRIME MINISTER, is more than just a 400-page exercise in floccinaucinihilipilification. Pre-order it to find out why!https://t.co/yHuCh2GZDM
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) October 10, 2018
Social media played a major role during the United States presidential elections of 2016. Meanwhile, global leaders like US President Donald Trump, Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Pakistan PM Imran Khan are among the most active leaders on social media. Through various social media platforms, content can be published and broadcast to millions of people instantaneously. Nowadays, social media campaigns are becoming more effective as they are engaging younger voters.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 30, 2018 09:57 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).