Parvesh Sharma
Tribune News Service
Sangrur, January 10
Facing uncertainty about physical campaigning during the forthcoming Assembly elections due to Covid curbs, politicians are trying hard to increase their social media footprint so that they could reach out to as many voters as possible. The demand for social media experts has also gone up suddenly.
“This year’s election will be different from those held in the past as it will see the maximum use of social media tools for reaching out to the voters. With the help of social media, I am able to connect with thousands of area residents within minutes. Since Covid cases are rising sharply, it’s safe also,” said Harpal Singh Cheema, Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Assembly.
Money matters
- Some experts are charging up to Rs50K a month to operate politicians’ social media accounts
- Some have signed Rs4-8 lakh contracts for managing social media services till elections
Some social media experts say they have been charging Rs 30,000-50,000 a month to operate politicians’ social media accounts, including Facebook and Twitter. Some of them said they had been signing Rs 4-8 lakh contracts for providing and managing all social media services till elections.
Even those who have never been very active on social media are now hiring experts to stay connected with voters. There are many like Dhuri Congress MLA Dalvir Singh Goldy who operate their social media accounts themselves and don’t have any team for the purpose.
“I have been using social media since my university days and I personally operate all my accounts,” Goldy said.
State coordinator of various cells of BJP Jatinder Kalra said social media management was a key component of the election campaign of all politicians these days.
“Till some years ago, only a few could really understand the importance of social media, but Covid and farmers’ agitation have made everyone realise its importance. I have exposed many scams through social media and it has been also helping us to counter fake campaigns,” Karla said.
SAD spokesperson and Sangrur candidate Winnerjit Singh Goldy said, “Many elderly persons have also taken to social media now. It has been playing an important role for all. Apart from politics, it has also been helping us help residents.”
Curbs in place, social media key driver for campaigning; experts in demand
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