Jamshedpur: With the Assembly elections heating up, candidates in Jamshedpur and across the region are embracing social media as a powerful tool to reach voters. In a marked shift from traditional campaigning, local politicians have tapped into the influence of social platforms like Facebook and X, using these online spaces to share their views, attract supporters, and engage directly with the public.
The trend is evident as nearly all major candidates and political figures in Jamshedpur have established a robust presence on social media, utilizing the platform to amplify their message, answer questions, and promote their campaign activities. This move toward digital campaigning has brought a new level of interaction, adding to the competitive atmosphere of the Assembly polls.
One of the most active figures online is Congress candidate Dr. Ajoy Kumar. Known for his savvy digital engagement, Kumar has gained considerable traction, boasting over 25,000 followers discussing his posts and perspectives over the past few months. Dr. Kumar, a former MP and well-known face in Jamshedpur, has seen a significant rise in likes on his page, driven by his strategy of posing direct questions to his opponent, BJP’s Raghubar Das. This approach has not only boosted engagement but has also sparked dialogues among voters.
“Social media has given us a unique avenue to connect with new people every day,” said BJP candidate Purnima Das, who has also been active online. While her team emphasizes on-ground campaigning, they recognize the importance of social media visibility. “It makes it easier to interact with the public,” Das added, stressing how important it is for candidates to keep up with the times. The BJP’s social media accounts, run by a dedicated publicity team, are actively working to keep her message prominent in the online landscape, ensuring that voters see the party’s initiatives and policies in real-time.
Independent candidates, too, have joined the social media wave, recognizing its importance. For them, the platforms provide a cost-effective way to compete with established party campaigns. “Social media plays a pivotal role. News spreads here faster than other mediums, and it allows two-way interaction with voters, making them feel that we genuinely care and listen to their perspectives,” said a local BJP worker.
In fact, Jamshedpur has a history of political tech adoption. The wife of former Chief Minister and Jamshedpur MP Arjun Munda pioneered the use of SMS campaigns and websites to communicate with constituents. This early move into digital communication set a precedent in the region, paving the way for the current social media revolution.
JMM activist Shailendra Mahto remarked on the effectiveness of social media as a campaign tool, describing it as “a hassle-free method of communicating with people on a large scale.” He emphasized that the platform is especially advantageous for candidates looking to reach younger, tech-savvy voters.
“As more candidates log in, social media has become an essential battleground for the Jamshedpur Assembly elections, transforming the way politicians connect with voters and enhancing voter engagement. With direct interactions, real-time updates, and campaign insights now available at the click of a button, digital engagement has reshaped the election landscape, making the journey to the polls in Jamshedpur a more interactive experience than ever before,” said a member IT cell of BJP.
