#BJP media strategy

[insightfultake]

The Media’s Role in Shaping Political Narratives: Modi’s BJP vs. Gandhi’s Congress

In the bustling newsroom of The Indian Express during the 1970s, an editor once deliberated whether to run a blank editorial page—a silent rebellion against censorship imposed during Indira Gandhi’s Emergency. Decades later, in a digitally-driven era, Narendra Modi’s Mann Ki Baat reached millions, bypassing traditional media entirely. These two moments capture the contrasting eras of media in India: the Gandhi-led Congress’s dominance and Modi’s transformative BJP era....read full story

[financia012]

Center Responds to Allegations of Rahul Gandhi's Dual Citizenship: Details and Implications

The debate surrounding the alleged dual citizenship of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has once again taken center stage, with a petition filed in the Allahabad High Court seeking clarity on the matter. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has informed the court that the issue is “under process.” This statement has stirred discussions across political and legal spheres, prompting further scrutiny of…

[sivavakkiyar]

With two phases of elections concluded in the Kashmir valley, all attention is now riveted on the Anantnag-Rajouri seat, which has become the focal point of intense campaigning following a deferment requested by the BJP and others.

Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti is contesting this seat, making it a crucial battle for the survival of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which has seen an exodus of members to the Apni Party and others.

The newly-formed DPAP initially proposed former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad as their candidate for the Lok Sabha seat but ultimately decided to field Advocate Saleem Parray.

In a significant departure from tradition, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has not fielded any candidates in this constituency for the first time in decades. Meanwhile, the Apni Party has put forward Zafar Iqbal Manhas, further intensifying the contest.

Iltija Mufti, media advisor to parliamentary candidate and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, stated, “Despite exhausting all possible strategies to secure this seat, the BJP refrained from fielding a candidate here, fully aware of their inevitable and resounding defeat in Kashmir.”

(May 23rd)

[mariacallous]

In April, an unassuming old building in New Delhi’s furniture market housed roughly 30 youngsters. Some were hunched over their laptops crunching data on Excel or analyzing a heat map, while others huddled to discuss strategy. These were engineering graduates, economists, political scientists, and others. There were office chairs, desks, and a couple of white boards.

The entire setup could easily have passed as a startup office, but it wasn’t. This was an election war room.

From there, Sapiens Research founder Rimjhim Gour’s team served as the brains of Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party, or BJP. The party’s senior leadership had entrusted Gour with mobilizing 12.5 million female voters across India, and her team spent their days crunching historical polling trends, using data to pinpoint critical constituencies, browsing WhatsApp for real-time on-ground updates, and shaping electoral strategies to usher in BJP for a third consecutive term.

Gour’s team was successful: Modi was sworn in as the Prime Minister on June 9 after the BJP formed the government through an alliance with 293 seats. India’s general elections happen once in five years, and in 2024, a record-breaking 642 million Indians voted. Of the total voters polled, 312 million were women. This was BJP’s grand experiment: The party wanted to micro-target and mobilize female voters, and hired people like Gour to make it happen—revealing, says Amogh Dhar Sharma, author of the forthcoming book The Backstage of Democracy: India’s Election Campaigns and the People Who Manage Them, “the hidden power of a new technocratic elite that has become critical for parties and politicians to fight elections and win votes in India.”

“In most places [in India], electorates who are registered but not voting are always women,” says Gour, who previously worked as a media strategist at Indian Political Action Committee, the legendary firm widely recognised for propelling Modi to victory in 2014. Dressed in an off-white salwar kameez, with a big pair of round glasses keeping her hair off her face, Gour is suave and confident, and fluently switches between English and Hindi. “That’s when it struck me that if we have to mobilize someone, it has to be women; they make up 50% of the electorate but still haven’t been tapped into completely in a systematic approach.”

Over the past decade, the Indian electioneering landscape has been overhauled by the advent of social media, data-driven insights, and political consultants. “I think the 2024 Indian general election confirms … the inordinate role of campaign professionals in Indian elections,” says Sharma. From call centers being used for “screening” party supporters, to WhatsApp for real-time updates, and a specialized app for reporting and documenting meetings, each tool served a unique purpose in this BJP campaign. “The speed at which these technologies are being embraced by parties and the growing emphasis on them is certainly unique,” says Sharma.

The BJP’s use of technology and social platforms has evolved as politics has, as they have gone from being niche tools to essential infrastructure. The BJP emerged as the highest spender on political ads on Meta platforms this election. If the 2019 election was characterized as the “WhatsApp Election” because of the excessive use of the messaging platform, the 2024 campaign was the “YouTube Election.” It marked an unprecedented use of YouTube influencers by BJP that featured softball questions with political candidates and paid promotions. While rival parties worked to catch up, the BJP still leads the pack with dedicated cyber troops for year-round content creation—and not just during elections.

And the BJP’s decision to hire a dedicated consultant to woo women votes seems like the next step in this broader evolution of using tech.

Historically, women voters lean towards progressive parties. But over the past decade, under Modi’s rule—characterized by what critics describe as creeping authoritarianism due to attacks on civil society, religious polarization, and cracking down on dissent—there has been a noticeable shift, with both the 2014 and 2019 elections recording higher female participation and increased support for the BJP amongst female voters. The BJP had been launching female-friendly welfare schemes including subsidized cooking gas cylinders and maternity leaves, for greater equality. As a result, in 2019, women’s poll participation exceeded men’s for the first time. This time it was about going a step ahead to remind a specific cohort of targeted women about Modi’s policies and nudge them to go out to vote.

Gour’s get-out-the-vote effort, which used a potpourri of apps, data analysts, and personal outreach by party workers, thus represented a convergence of two trends in an attempt to consolidate a women’s vote newly open to the BJP.

For Modi to return to power, BJP had to win 272 of the 534 parliamentary seats. Gour’s young team was focused on 235 seats, which they identified as “critical seats”—areas where the BJP has either won or lost by less than 10% margin of votes in the past. The goal was to identify women self-help groups, or SHGs, in those 235 critical voting areas, and then use BJP’s party workers, or karyakartas, to meet, motivate, and mobilize female voters.

India’s rural SHGs are collectives of 10 or more women who pool their money and support each other through savings; nearly 100 million women are part of SHGs. And women involved with SHGs are already more politically active.

“Often the hardest problem for political parties who want to engage with women and get women to participate in public life is to figure out how to get these women to participate in a political cause,” says Anirvan Chowdhury, a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard University who studies the BJP’s attempts to target female voters. ��And in a context where politics is often seen as unsuitable for women, reframing politics as seva [selfless service] or using existing institutional frameworks like the SHG structure helps solve that problem.” Because of this sustained effort, there has been a pro-BJP tilt in women’s political preference in many northern states which have a strong history of support for Modi’s BJP, research shows.

For Gour’s Sapiens Research team, the challenge wasn’t merely to locate these self-help groups but to identify potential BJP supporters within these groups—a task that requires data analysis. Ujjawal Agrawal, the program manager at Sapiens Research, spearheaded the initiative of meticulously mapping voter and demographic information to phone numbers of women in “critical” SHGs. Agrawal then mustered the BJP’s in-house network of 20,000 call center operators—run by another Indian Political Action Committee alumnus Diggaj Mogra—to identify BJP sympathizers within the large SHG cohort.

The call centers did so by asking a few pointed questions. One key question was whether the woman would help mobilize 10 other women for the BJP. If she responded positively, she was deemed a supporter. If the SHG member’s response was no, then she would be categorized as a swing voter or non-supporter. For instance, in West Bengal, Agrawal said, 10% of women who were part of the SHG refused to mobilize voters for the BJP. (Interestingly, this approach bears some broad similarities to the Donald Trump campaign’s strategy for this year’s US election.)

Soni Bam is the sort of SHG mobilizer Gour’s team was looking for. She is from the Leparada district in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh and her eight-member group, called Hiri Molo, is dedicated to making women independent by finding ways to earn and save. But since October 2023, she has been involved in the BJP’s election-related work: going door-to-door explaining women about the elections, and advocating BJP schemes that will help women. She also asks women to attend meetings organized by the BJP workers.

Gour’s team used the 20,000 callers from the BJP’s call center to do 300,000 “screening” calls a day to create the final target list. “We are the brain and call centers are basically your eyes [of political campaigns],” says Gour.

It has become commonplace in India for political parties to set up call centers in the weeks leading up to polling, says Sharma. “These call centers can provide a range of functions—encouraging citizens to update their voter ID card, reminding them of the party’s manifesto promises, gauging their intention to vote, and even soliciting their feedback on the ticket distribution or chief minister nomination process.” But what’s unique, says Sharma, about the BJP is the massive investment in an in-house network of 20,000 call center operations across 350 locations. No other party has a comparable infrastructure for electioneering.

BJP’s central leadership monitored the SHG meetings organized by party workers through the revolutionary SARAL app, which stands for Sangathan Reporting and Analysis. (Sangathan in Hindi means “organization.”) It’s the BJP’s “digital handheld office.” Nearly 4 million BJP party workers use the app monthly, where they can upload party activities and share images of events, and details of people they meet during campaigns. In the months leading up to elections, the BJP ran a campaign on the app called “Shakti Chaupal” to mobilize female voters. It was overseen by Gour’s team.

The tech-savvy team of data analysts at Sapiens’ office in Delhi would then aggregate the trends, and submit weekly or monthly reports on the extent of voter mobilization to party leaders. “If they send us those two photos on a WhatsApp number, it will be difficult for us to monitor,” Agrawal said. “We get clear, systematic data from SARAL.” In the three months leading up to May, an estimated 5000 meetings were conducted, and 5877 party workers helped Sapiens team in mobilization.

In late April, during the first phase of the election, where nearly one-fifth of all parliamentary seats were going to polls, witnessed poor voter turnout. The dip in voter turnout compared to elections in 2019, gripped Gour and the BJP with panic. Early doubts over BJP’s decisive victory surfaced online. Soon, the BJP machinery redoubled outreach activity and notched up demands on state-incharges to address voter apathy.

One crucial battlefield for the BJP was the Kendrapara constituency in the eastern state of Odisha, which has been ruled by the Biju Janata Dal, or BJD, for two decades. Gour’s team was responsible for mobilizing the SHGs in the area. When it came time to vote, Gour’s war room sprang into action. Her team began calling party workers every few hours for updates on the SHGs voting. After that, a round of bot calls were made to the SHG women, since the human call centers were at capacity. At the end of the day, an automated call went out to SHG women, asking if they mobilized, who they mobilized, and if they could share pictures and data.

This process was repeated in constituencies across the country, to great effect: By the end of the election, Gour says, they personally mobilized 12 million women voters.

Despite Gour’s best efforts, though—and positive feedback they received on WhatsApp, SARAL, and call centers—the BJP suffered huge losses in their Hindi-speaking heartland states such as Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. From being the single largest party with 303 seats in 2019, Modi’s BJP was cut down to size with 240 seats, and formed the government by entering into a power-sharing agreement with smaller regional parties.

Consultants like Gour continue to claim the election as a win, with a caveat that while their work contributed to the vote share of the candidates, they were “not the only factor.” Other experts tell WIRED that there were likely additional reasons women came out to vote during this cycle, such as religious polarization and welfare programs such as free food or cash handouts. The ultimate lesson may be about the enduring power of traditional methods.

“No Indian politician,” says Sharma, “can as yet dispense with holding public rallies, road shows, or door-to-door canvassing, which create momentum both for ordinary voters and for party workers themselves.”

[disruptiveempathy]

For international readers: Indian politics is often portrayed as a simple picture of ‘Hindu majority thinking’ against ‘religious minorities’, especially Muslims. The BJP portrays itself as representing the ‘Hindu majority’ while accusing the opposition of representing only Muslims. This image is deceptive for several reasons. The simple opposition between ‘Hindu’ and ‘Muslim’ has served Western media and academics well in the face of their own political investment in Islamophobia. Islamophobia is not only a domestic strategy—it has also allowed Modi to forge closer ties with Israel and successive U.S. administrations. While the majority of the Indian population belongs to the lower castes and comes from all religions, the upper caste minority controls the judiciary, the police, the army, the bureaucracy, the media, and the academic institutions. The existence of the upper-caste minority is often treated as a harmless cultural idiosyncrasy by international academics and media. One gets a sense that elite Western voices assume for themselves a default upper-caste identity when they try their hand at interpreting Indian society and politics. There are upper-class solidarities that resonate across international borders—Western journalists and academics mentally transpose themselves from their own elite positions to the upper castes (whether Hindu, Muslim or Sikh) of India. Therefore, as is the case with those domestic Indian elites whose positionality they assume, the international set rarely interacts with or troubles themselves with the concerns of the lower castes of India. As is so often the case across world discourse and media, it is the lives and concerns of the ruling classes that dominate. Consequently, international commentators fail to understand the underlying dynamics of Indian elections.

—Reghu Janardhanan, from "Elections in India: Caste, Islamophobia and Social Revolution," in Protean Magazine

[jobaaj]

🔴BREAKING NEWS: BJP-led NDA got majority! But why did the BJP fail to get 300 seats this time? 🤔 What happened?

Indians closely followed the announcement of the latest election results, observing a surprising turn of events for the nationalist ruling government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which faced a humbling outcome yesterday.

In the 2019 elections, the BJP had a remarkable victory, securing 303 seats on its own. However, in the recent elections, the BJP's seat count significantly dropped to 240. Even with the support of its allies in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the coalition couldn't reach the 300-seat threshold.

Although the BJP, along with its NDA allies, still holds a majority, the new government will have to be formed through a coalition, as the BJP did not achieve a sole majority this time around. This marks a notable change in the political scenario, indicating a more collaborative governance structure ahead.

🧐 Why?

Several factors contributed to the decline in the BJP's popularity:

▪ High unemployment rates, rising inflation, and the controversial Agniveer scheme significantly damaged the party's standing among voters.

▪ Additionally, the BJP, particularly Prime Minister Narendra Modi, adopted an aggressive campaign strategy. Modi's campaign included several controversial remarks, such as the mangalsutra comment, the mujra remark, and the infiltrator comment, which sparked widespread criticism.

▪ Conversely, the Opposition performed effectively. They successfully consolidated votes through their I.N.D.I.A. alliance, and Akhilesh Yadav skillfully leveraged the PDA strategy.

▪ Furthermore, the Congress party made several enticing promises that, while potentially harmful to economic health (such as the Mahalaxmi scheme, increased MNREGA wages, and MSP guarantee), resonated positively with many voters.

😕What now?: ▪ Despite the disappointing results, the BJP still has the most seats independently and has the majority in Parliament with its allies in NDA.

▪ However, if the JDU and TDP choose to leave the NDA, Narendra Modi would not become the PM!

▪ The NDA is set to meet in Delhi today for the same!!! ❓Is Narendra Modi set to be PM? Or will the NDA betray the BJP?? Follow Jobaaj Stories (the media arm of Jobaaj.com Group for more)

[mostlysignssomeportents]

This day in history

Today (May 20) at 3:15PM, I’ll be at the GAITHERSBURG Book Festival with my novel Red Team Blues; then on Monday (May 22), I’m keynoting Public Knowledge’s Emerging Tech conference in DC.

On Tuesday (May 23), I’ll be in TORONTO for a book launch that’s part of WEPFest, a benefit for the West End Phoenix, onstage with Dave Bidini (The Rheostatics), Ron Diebert (Citizen Lab) and the whistleblower Dr Nancy Olivieri.

#20yrsago William Gibson on the future of media https://web.archive.org/web/20030503081410/www.williamgibsonbooks.com/archive/2003_05_01_archive.asp

#15yrsago We need a privacy bill of rights https://www.wired.com/2008/05/securitymatters-0515/

#15yrsago Steamy tell-all memoir by a Disneyland “Jack Sparrow” https://web.archive.org/web/20080525200648/https://www.lamag.com/featuredarticle.aspx/?id=7016

#15yrsago Oregon to hold hearings on whether its laws are copyrighted https://public.resource.org/oregon/

#15yrsago China’s surveillance state https://web.archive.org/web/20080517165418/https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/story/20797485/chinas_allseeing_eye/print

#10yrsago Unknown mathematician makes historical breakthrough in prime theory https://www.wired.com/2013/05/twin-primes/

#10yrsago What UK education czar Michael Gove doesn’t understand about creativity https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/may/17/to-encourage-creativity-mr-gove-understand

#10yrsago Accused identity thief nailed by food-porn Instagram photo https://www.techdirt.com/2013/05/20/criminal-nabbed-his-own-food-porn/

#10yrsago Utah wants to tax power consumed by the NSA’s massive, illegal data-processing facility https://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=56304956&itype=CMSID

#10yrsago Book review: information security for lawyers https://books.slashdot.org/story/13/05/20/1313205/book-review-locked-down-information-security-for-lawyers

#10yrsago When America issued dogtags to kids to help identify their nuke-blasted corpses https://gizmodo.com/that-time-american-school-kids-were-given-dog-tags-beca-508802138

#10yrsago Whatever happened to crack babies? https://web.archive.org/web/20130904231440/https://www.retroreport.org/crack-babies-a-tale-from-the-drug-wars/

#10yrsago Internet of Things and surveillance https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2013/05/the_eyes_and_ea.html

#10yrsago Profile of math-inspired 3D printing sculptor Bathsheba Grossman https://www.shapeways.com/blog/archives/2075-designer-spotlight-bathsheba-grossman-2.html

#5yrsago Explaining marine invertebrate reproductive strategies to the lobster-obsessed Jordan Peterson https://twitter.com/baileys/status/997646354414522368

#5yrsago Supreme Court rules that employers can make signing away your right to sue them in a class a condition of employment https://www.cnn.com/2018/05/21/politics/supreme-court-nlra-arbitration-gorsuch/index.html

#5yrsago New York high school will use CCTV and facial recognition to enforce discipline https://web.archive.org/web/20180521033340/http://uschnews.com/lockport-schools-turn-to-state-of-the-art-technology-to-beef-up-security-the-buffalo-news/

#5yrsago High school students who will not smile in the hallways are sent to mandatory counselling, while bullying is rampant https://www.ldnews.com/story/news/local/2018/05/15/n-lebanon-students-told-smile-while-bullying-gets-ignored/606180002/

#5yrsago The Vatican dunks on the finance industry and its “amoral culture” https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2018/05/17/180517a.html

#5yrsago Ahead of national elections, India’s authoritarian ruling party loses a key regional battle https://web.archive.org/web/20180520035216/http://www.atimes.com/article/huge-setback-for-modi-as-bjp-fails-floor-test-in-karnataka/

#5yrsago Britain’s hardline prohibitionist drugs minister is married to a weed grower https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/drugs-minister-victoria-atkins-hypocrisy-cannabis-paul-kenward-british-sugar-a8356056.html

#5yrsago App that let parents spy on teens stored thousands of kids’ Apple ID passwords and usernames on an unsecured server https://www.zdnet.com/article/teen-phone-monitoring-app-leaks-thousands-of-users-data/

Catch me on tour with Red Team Blues in Toronto, DC, Gaithersburg, Oxford, Hay, Manchester, Nottingham, London, and Berlin!

[ebelal56-blog]

India's DIVISION Ends Here with These 5 Unity Strategies!

Have you ever felt like you're living in a divided world? That’s the reality many faces in India today. Under Narendra Modi's leadership and the BJP banner, there's a growing sense of apartheid against Muslims. It’s not just politics; it’s personal. Imagine waking up every day, knowing that your identity makes you a target. The Citizenship Amendment Act, the NRC—these aren’t just policies; they’re tools of exclusion. They create fear and uncertainty, making Muslims feel like outsiders in their own homeland. Social media is flooded with stories of discrimination, and yet, the silence from those in power is deafening. How can we turn a blind eye to the erosion of rights? We must engage, speak out, and educate ourselves and others. This isn't just about one community: it's about standing up for justice and equality for all. If we remain silent, we risk losing the very fabric of our democracy.

[news365timesindia]

[ad_1] Paromita Das GG News Bureau New Delhi, 6th December- Avadh Ojha, the well-known UPSC educator who has amassed a significant following among civil service aspirants, recently joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the presence of its senior leaders, Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia. While his entry into politics comes as no surprise, given his openly stated ambitions for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, his political alignment has raised eyebrows. For many, Ojha’s contentious teaching style and inflammatory rhetoric make his association with AAP a natural but deeply polarizing development. Ojha’s move is already being scrutinized by critics and supporters alike, with questions being raised about his motivations, his ideological fit with the party, and the impact of his often controversial statements on a profession as noble as teaching. His transition from educator to politician seems to reflect a broader trend of leveraging personal branding and controversy for political capital, a hallmark strategy often attributed to the AAP. The Reel Educator’s Controversial Past Ojha’s reputation as a UPSC educator has been marked by a distinct, often unorthodox style. Known for his theatrical delivery and provocative analogies, Ojha has managed to captivate audiences online, where his videos have gone viral. However, his polarizing remarks have also drawn severe criticism, particularly from the IAS aspirant community, which has often accused him of being more of a “reel” educator than a credible academic figure. In one instance, Ojha faced backlash for glorifying Osama bin Laden during a lecture, calling the 9/11 attacks an “achievement” in terms of strategic audacity. Delivered to an audience of civil service aspirants, this statement drew widespread condemnation for its insensitivity and moral irresponsibility. Critics argued that a teacher tasked with shaping future administrators should inspire through examples of integrity and leadership, not by romanticizing violence or extremism. This incident is just one of many where Ojha’s rhetoric has crossed into controversial territory. Allegations of unprofessional behavior in classrooms, including a lack of preparation and inappropriate comments, have further tarnished his credibility. For example, during a protest in Old Rajendra Nagar concerning student grievances, Ojha’s dismissive response and refusal to engage with aspirants added fuel to the fire, highlighting a pattern of insensitivity toward the very students he claims to champion. Ojha’s Political Opportunism and Ideological Ambiguity Ojha’s entry into politics has not been marked by ideological clarity but by opportunism. In his own admission, he was negotiating with both the BJP and Congress simultaneously for a ticket to contest in the 2024 elections. His overtures to ideologically opposite parties underscore his primary goal: securing power and influence, regardless of alignment with specific principles or values. Failing to secure a ticket from either party, Ojha’s decision to join the AAP appears less about conviction and more about convenience. For AAP, a party often accused of prioritizing optics over substance, Ojha’s flamboyant style and social media presence fit seamlessly into its playbook. Both share a tendency to rely on sensationalism and performative actions, often at the expense of meaningful governance or policy work. The Clash Between Education and Opportunism Ojha’s claims of wanting to improve Bharat’s education system through politics ring hollow when juxtaposed with his controversial past and opportunistic trajectory. His tendency to glorify violence and indulge in divisive rhetoric has already raised questions about his suitability as a mentor for aspiring civil servants. Whether discussing the removal of Mughal history from textbooks or making flippant remarks comparing Prime Minister Narendra Modi to invaders like Muhammad Ghori, Ojha has shown a penchant for provocation over productive dialogue. Even as

Ojha professes his dedication to education, his priorities seem to align more closely with personal aggrandizement. His fascination with power, evident in his frequent references to “Bahubali-like” figures during lectures, reflects a worldview that is at odds with the democratic ideals of service and responsibility. This obsession with authority over accountability risks undermining the very values he claims to want to impart to Bharat’s next generation of administrators. The AAP Connection: A Match Made in Opportunism? Ojha’s association with AAP is emblematic of the party’s tendency to rely on high-profile but divisive figures to expand its reach. Over the years, AAP has marketed itself as a disruptor, challenging established political norms. However, critics argue that its focus on theatrics and headline-grabbing tactics often comes at the expense of substantive governance. By aligning with Ojha, AAP not only brings in a controversial figure but also risks alienating a significant portion of the public who view him as a symbol of recklessness and irresponsibility. Ojha’s alignment with AAP further reinforces perceptions of the party as one that prioritizes showmanship over genuine reforms, particularly in the education sector. What Does Ojha’s Entry Mean for Politics and Education? Avadh Ojha’s entry into politics highlights a troubling trend where personal branding and controversy overshadow substance and accountability. His journey from educator to politician raises important questions about the role of educators in public life and the standards to which they should be held. A teacher’s primary responsibility is to inspire and guide, but Ojha’s penchant for inflammatory remarks and opportunistic behavior casts a shadow over his ability to fulfill this role. His association with AAP also reflects the party’s strategy of leveraging sensationalism to gain visibility. While this approach may yield short-term political gains, it risks undermining public trust in the long run. For a party that claims to champion education reform and good governance, aligning with a figure as polarizing as Ojha may do more harm than good. Conclusion Avadh Ojha’s political ambitions and controversial history have brought him into the national spotlight, but they also serve as a cautionary tale. His entry into AAP underscores the importance of holding public figures accountable for their words and actions, particularly those who claim to represent the ideals of education and governance. As Bharat grapples with the challenges of improving its education system and fostering a culture of accountability, Ojha’s journey offers a sobering reminder of the pitfalls of prioritizing personality over principle. Both AAP and Ojha will need to demonstrate that their partnership can deliver more than just rhetoric if they hope to gain the trust of the public. Whether this alliance will bring meaningful change or merely perpetuate a cycle of opportunism remains to be seen.   The post Avadh Ojha Joins AAP: A Controversial Educator’s Foray into Politics appeared first on Global Governance News- Asia's First Bilingual News portal for Global News and Updates. [ad_2] Source link

[news365times]

[ad_1] GG News Bureau New Delhi, 2nd Nov. In a strategic move ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, the Delhi government has announced a public holiday on November 7 in celebration of Chhath Puja, a significant festival for the Purvanchali community. Delhi minister Atishi made the announcement on social media platform X, expressing happiness about the decision, which aims to allow the Purvanchali community to celebrate the festival “with pomp and show.” The declaration comes just months before the assembly polls, highlighting the importance of the Purvanchali electorate, which, according to government data, comprises approximately 42 percent of Delhi’s voters. This community, primarily hailing from Bihar, holds substantial influence over electoral outcomes in key constituencies such as Burari, Dwarka, and Laxmi Nagar, which are pivotal for the 70 assembly seats in the capital. Chhath Puja, also known as Surya Shashti, is a revered festival celebrated over four days, primarily in Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand. The festival involves married women observing a rigorous 36-hour fast and making offerings to the Sun God, including wheat, milk, sugarcane, bananas, and coconuts. The timing of the holiday announcement coincides with the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) initiative to connect with the Purvanchali community, aiming to win over their support in the elections. The BJP has been striving to reclaim its political dominance in Delhi, where it has not held power for over two and a half decades. The outreach efforts, alongside the public holiday, signify a larger strategy to engage and secure the loyalty of Purvanchali voters during this critical election period. The post Delhi Govt Declares Public Holiday for Chhath Puja on Nov 7 appeared first on Global Governance News- Asia's First Bilingual News portal for Global News and Updates. [ad_2] Source link

[werindialive]

Chai, Biscuits On Me: Rahul Gandhi Claims Raid Being Planned Against Him 

In a surprising revelation, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi claimed that a raid is being planned against him. Speaking at a public event, he remarked, "I hear that they (the government) are planning to raid my house. Chai, biscuits on me when they come." This statement has sparked significant attention and speculation across the political spectrum and media. 

Rahul Gandhi’s comments come amidst increasing political tensions between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress (INC). The allegations point towards a possible crackdown by the government on opposition leaders, a move Gandhi and his supporters see as an attempt to stifle dissent and distract from pressing national issues. 

The context of Gandhi's claims lies in the backdrop of recent actions taken by investigative agencies, which have targeted several prominent opposition leaders. These actions have raised questions about the impartiality of these institutions, with critics arguing that they are being used as tools for political vendetta. Rahul Gandhi's assertive and somewhat nonchalant remark, "Chai, biscuits on me," reflects his defiance and an attempt to downplay the severity of the alleged impending raid. 

Gandhi’s comments also underscore the broader narrative of the Congress party, which has consistently accused the BJP-led government of undermining democratic institutions and misusing state power to target political adversaries. The party has often highlighted instances where opposition leaders were subjected to raids and investigations, viewing these as attempts to intimidate and silence them. 

This latest claim by Rahul Gandhi is likely to add fuel to the ongoing political discourse about the nature of democracy and the rule of law in India. His supporters have echoed his sentiment, portraying him as a resilient leader who is unafraid of government tactics. Conversely, BJP leaders and supporters have dismissed his claims as baseless and politically motivated, arguing that lawful investigations should not be construed as political vendetta. 

The potential raid on Rahul Gandhi, if it occurs, will undoubtedly be a significant event with implications for the political climate in India. It will be closely watched by political analysts, media, and the public, as it may influence the narratives and strategies of both the ruling party and the opposition in the run-up to future elections. 

For now, Rahul Gandhi’s bold and witty proclamation, "Chai, biscuits on me," stands as a symbolic gesture of his determination to face what he describes as politically motivated actions with equanimity and a touch of humour. For more politics news in Hindi, subscribe to our newsletter. 

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Watch Narendra Modi viral video on Twitter and reddit

Watch Narendra Modi viral video on Twitter and reddit

 Narendra Damodardas Modi, a name that resonates with millions across India and beyond, stands as a pivotal figure in contemporary Indian politics. Serving as the 14th Prime Minister of India since May 26, 2014, Modi's leadership has been marked by significant economic, social, and political changes. This essay explores Narendra Modi's life, his tenure as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, his ascent to the Prime Ministership, and the impacts and controversies of his policies on the national and international stage.Narendra Modi was born on September 17, 1950, in Vadnagar, a small town in Gujarat, India. Coming from a modest background, Modi's early life was shaped by his family's financial struggles. His father, Damodardas Mulchand Modi, ran a tea stall, where young Narendra often helped. These humble beginnings instilled in him a sense of discipline, resilience, and a strong work ethic.From a young age, Modi showed an inclination towards public service and spirituality. He was deeply influenced by the teachings of Swami Vivekananda and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist organization. Joining the RSS as a pracharak (campaigner) in his youth, Modi's early involvement with the organization played a crucial role in shaping his ideological foundation and political career.

Watch Narendra Modi viral video on Twitter

Modi's political journey took a significant turn in 2001 when he was appointed as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, following a series of internal party decisions within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His appointment came at a time when Gujarat was recovering from a devastating earthquake that struck in January 2001. Modi's leadership during this crisis demonstrated his administrative capabilities and set the stage for his subsequent political career.As Chief Minister, Modi embarked on a series of economic reforms aimed at industrializing Gujarat and improving infrastructure. His tenure saw the implementation of policies that attracted significant foreign and domestic investment, particularly in the manufacturing sector. Initiatives such as the Vibrant Gujarat Summit became instrumental in promoting Gujarat as a business-friendly state.

Modi's tenure as Chief Minister was not without controversy. The most significant of these was the 2002 Gujarat riots, a period of intense communal violence that resulted in the loss of many lives. Modi's handling of the riots drew severe criticism both domestically and internationally. Accusations of inadequate response and complicity in the violence haunted his career, leading to numerous investigations and widespread condemnation.Despite these challenges, Modi managed to retain his position as Chief Minister, winning consecutive elections in Gujarat. His ability to deliver economic growth and development projects played a key role in his political survival. The Gujarat model of development, characterized by rapid industrialization and infrastructure development, became a cornerstone of his political narrative.

Watch Narendra Modi viral video on  reddit

Modi's national prominence began to rise as his success in Gujarat caught the attention of the BJP leadership and the broader Indian electorate. In 2013, he was chosen as the BJP's prime ministerial candidate for the 2014 general elections. Modi's campaign was marked by a strong emphasis on economic development, governance reforms, and a promise to transform India into a global economic powerhouse.The 2014 election campaign was unprecedented in its scale and scope, utilizing advanced marketing strategies, social media outreach, and extensive public rallies. Modi's image as a decisive and development-focused leader resonated with a significant portion of the electorate, leading the BJP to a historic victory. The party secured a majority in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of India's Parliament, a feat not achieved by any party since 1984.Upon assuming office on May 26, 2014, Modi launched several ambitious initiatives aimed at transforming India's economic and social landscape. Some of the key policies and initiatives include:Make in India   Launched in September 2014, this initiative aimed to turn India into a global manufacturing hub by encouraging domestic and foreign investment in the manufacturing sector. The policy focused on improving ease of doing business, enhancing infrastructure, and creating a skilled workforce.Digital India  This program sought to promote digital literacy and expand internet connectivity across the country. It aimed to bridge the digital divide and provide citizens with access to government services through digital platforms.Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission)    Launched on October 2, 2014, this initiative aimed to eliminate open defecation and improve solid waste management. The campaign focused on building toilets, promoting hygiene, and creating awareness about cleanliness.Goods and Services Tax (GST    Implemented on July 1, 2017, the GST replaced multiple indirect taxes with a single unified tax system. This reform aimed to simplify the tax structure, increase compliance, and boost economic growth.Ayushman Bharat   This health insurance scheme, launched in 2018, aimed to provide free healthcare coverage to over 100 million low-income families. It focused on improving access to quality healthcare services and reducing out-of-pocket expenses.

Watch Narendra Modi viral video on  reddit

Modi's tenure has also seen significant shifts in India's foreign policy. He has actively sought to enhance India's global standing through diplomatic engagements, strategic partnerships, and participation in international forums. Some notable aspects of his foreign policy include:Neighborhood First Policy    Modi has emphasized strengthening ties with neighboring countries, promoting regional stability and economic cooperation. This policy has seen mixed results, with successes in relations with countries like Bangladesh and Bhutan, and challenges in ties with Pakistan and China.Act East Policy     Building on the earlier Look East Policy, Modi has focused on enhancing economic and strategic relations with Southeast Asian countries. This policy aims to strengthen India's presence in the Asia-Pacific region and counterbalance China's influence.Strengthening Ties with Major Powers   Modi has prioritized building strong relationships with major global powers, including the United States, Russia, Japan, and the European Union. His interactions with world leaders have focused on trade, defense, and strategic cooperation.Diaspora Engagement  Modi has actively engaged with the Indian diaspora, recognizing their role in promoting India's interests abroad. His outreach to the diaspora has included high-profile visits, cultural events, and initiatives to address their concerns and leverage their contributions.

Watch Narendra Modi viral video on Twitter and reddit

Modi's tenure has been marked by significant economic reforms aimed at boosting growth and creating jobs. However, these reforms have also faced challenges and criticisms. The demonetization policy of 2016, which aimed to combat black money and counterfeit currency, led to significant economic disruption and impacted small businesses and the informal sector.

The introduction of the GST, while a landmark reform, faced implementation challenges and compliance issues. Despite these hurdles, the government has continued to push for economic reforms, including labor law changes, agricultural reforms, and initiatives to boost manufacturing and exports.The COVID-19 pandemic posed a major challenge to Modi's economic agenda. The nationwide lockdowns and subsequent economic slowdown impacted livelihoods and economic growth. In response, the government launched the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative, focusing on boosting domestic production, supporting small businesses, and promoting economic self-sufficiency.Modi's leadership has also seen significant focus on social and cultural policies. His government has launched several initiatives aimed at empowering marginalized communities, promoting social justice, and preserving cultural heritage. Key initiatives include:Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (Save the Daughter, Educate the Daughter)    Launched in 2015, this campaign aims to address gender imbalances and promote education and empowerment of girls. It focuses on improving child sex ratios, increasing female literacy rates, and creating awareness about gender equality.Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)  This financial inclusion initiative, launched in 2014, aims to provide banking services to the unbanked population. It focuses on opening bank accounts, providing access to credit and insurance, and promoting financial literacy.Promotion of Yoga and Ayurveda   Modi has actively promoted India's traditional practices of yoga and Ayurveda on the global stage. International Yoga Day, celebrated annually on June 21, has gained worldwide recognition and participation.Cultural Diplomacy   Modi's government has leveraged India's rich cultural heritage to strengthen diplomatic ties and promote soft power. Initiatives like the International Solar Alliance, the Global Conference on Cyber Space, and various cultural festivals have showcased India's contributions to global issues and cultural diversity.

Watch Narendra Modi viral video on  reddit

Modi's tenure as Prime Minister has not been without controversies and criticisms. His government's policies and decisions have faced scrutiny and opposition from various quarters. Some notable controversies include:CITIZENSHIP AMENDMENT ACT (CAA) AND NATIONAL REGISTER OF CITIZENS (NRC)     The introduction of the CAA in 2019, which provides a pathway to citizenship for non-Muslim refugees from neighboring countries, sparked widespread protests and accusations of discrimination against Muslims. The proposed NRC, aimed at identifying illegal immigrants, further fueled concerns about potential exclusion and marginalization of vulnerable communities.FARMERS' PROTESTS    The passage of three farm laws in 2020, aimed at liberalizing the agricultural sector, led to massive protests by farmers, particularly in Punjab and Haryana. Critics argued that the laws would undermine farmers' livelihoods and benefit large corporations. The protests continued for over a year, highlighting deep-seated issues in the agricultural sector and prompting the government to eventually repeal the laws.HANDLING OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC    Modi's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic faced criticism, particularly during the second wave in 2021, which saw a devastating surge in cases and deaths.  Source link Read the full article

[influencermagazineuk]

India: Election Trends Show Moral Defeat For Modi

By Prime Minister's Office - https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pm-meeting-with-prime-minister-modi-of-india-9-september-2023, OGL 3, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=137785809 India Election Results 2024 Live: Modi’s BJP May Fall Short of Majority As India counts votes for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led coalition is currently leading. However, early trends suggest the BJP might not secure a majority on its own, with a united opposition led by the Indian National Congress making significant gains. The election, the world's largest democratic exercise, spanned seven phases, beginning on April 19 and concluding on Saturday. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge described the results as a clear mandate against Modi, calling it his "moral and political defeat." Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi, Kharge stated, "This election results are 'janta ka result'… They are clear this mandate is against Modi ji. This is his moral and political defeat." He was joined by party colleagues Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. When asked about the possibility of the INDIA bloc forming a government, Rahul Gandhi responded, “We will hold a meeting with our alliance partners tomorrow. These questions will be raised and answered there. We won't make any statements without asking our alliance partners.” Kharge later took to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express the party's acceptance of the election results. He wrote in Hindi, “We humbly accept the mandate of the 18th Lok Sabha elections. This is the victory of the people. This is the victory of democracy. This time the people did not give absolute majority to any single party. Especially the ruling party, BJP, had asked for votes in the name of one person-one face. Now, it is clear that this mandate is against Modiji. This is his political and moral defeat.” He further commented on the Congress Party's campaign, emphasizing its positive approach. “The Congress Party's campaign was positive from the beginning to the end. We made issues like inflation, unemployment, the plight of farmers and labourers, and misuse of constitutional institutions central issues. A large number of people joined us and supported us on these issues. The kind of campaign the Prime Minister conducted will be remembered for a long time in history. The public understood the lies that Modiji spread about the Congress manifesto,” Kharge said. Kharge also highlighted the significance of Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra and Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, during which he met with countless people to listen to their problems and propose solutions. “We named this as 5 Nyay and 25 guarantees. On this basis, we made a guarantee card. Our workers went door to door with it,” Kharge noted. Kharge also criticized the BJP leadership's approach to constitutional institutions. “Another important thing happened because of the BJP leadership's arrogance. They slowly tried to capture all the constitutional institutions through illegal means. Then, they started using them against the opposition party. Those who were subdued were suppressed and brought to their side. Those who were not subdued had their party broken, or else they were put in jail,” he said. As the counting continues and the final results approach, the political landscape in India appears poised for significant changes, reflecting the electorate's shifting sentiments and the effectiveness of the opposition's campaign strategies. Read the full article

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Who will be the next Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi or Rahul Gandhi?

The political landscape of India is gearing up for a significant showdown as the country inches closer to the 2024 General Elections. At the forefront of this high-stakes contest are two prominent figures: Narendra Modi, the incumbent Prime Minister and leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Rahul Gandhi, the scion of the Nehru-Gandhi family and a key leader of the Indian National Congress (INC). The question on everyone’s mind is: who will be the next Prime Minister of India?

Narendra Modi: The Incumbent's Appeal

Narendra Modi has been a dominant figure in Indian politics since he first assumed office in 2014. His leadership style, marked by strong central control, a focus on national security, and an aggressive foreign policy, has garnered significant support. Modi’s government has initiated several landmark policies, such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the Digital India campaign, and the Make in India initiative, aimed at boosting manufacturing and infrastructure. His administration has also overseen significant improvements in India’s global standing, with Modi forging close ties with major world powers.

A key element of Modi’s appeal lies in his image as a decisive and incorruptible leader. His background as a self-made politician, who rose from humble beginnings, resonates with many Indians. The BJP’s formidable organizational structure and its ability to effectively mobilize resources and cadre support also work in Modi’s favor. Furthermore, Modi’s communication skills, particularly his ability to connect with the masses through social media and public speeches, have played a crucial role in maintaining his popularity.

However, Modi’s tenure has not been without controversy. His government has faced criticism over issues like rising unemployment, agrarian distress, and the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, his policies on Kashmir and the Citizenship Amendment Act have sparked widespread protests and international concern. Despite these challenges, Modi’s core voter base remains loyal, and his ability to navigate through controversies with strategic acumen has kept him at the forefront of Indian politics.

Rahul Gandhi: The Challenger’s Resurgence

On the other side of the political spectrum stands Rahul Gandhi, representing a party with a rich historical legacy but currently struggling to regain its former glory. Gandhi has been attempting to reposition himself and the Congress party as a viable alternative to the BJP. His campaign emphasizes social justice, economic equality, and a more inclusive vision of Indian nationalism.

Gandhi’s approach has evolved significantly over the years. Initially criticized for his perceived lack of political acumen and his sporadic engagement with politics, he has worked to shed this image by taking more consistent and assertive stances on key issues. His criticisms of the Modi government, particularly on matters such as economic policy, unemployment, and the handling of the pandemic, have found resonance among sections of the populace disillusioned with the current administration.

The Congress party under Gandhi is also making efforts to form broader alliances with regional parties to counter the BJP’s dominance. This strategy of coalition-building is crucial, given the fragmented nature of Indian politics and the importance of regional parties in securing a parliamentary majority.

Nevertheless, Gandhi faces significant hurdles. The Congress party’s internal divisions, organizational weaknesses, and the erosion of its traditional voter base are major challenges. Additionally, the BJP’s relentless campaign to project Gandhi as an inexperienced and ineffective leader has affected his public perception.

In conclusion, predicting who will be the next Prime Minister of India is fraught with uncertainty. Narendra Modi’s position as the incumbent gives him a significant edge, but Rahul Gandhi’s efforts to revive the Congress and build a broader coalition cannot be underestimated. The 2024 elections promise to be a defining moment in Indian democracy, reflecting the country’s complex and evolving political landscape.

[atomxmedia]

Tejashwi Yadav Accuses Prashant Kishor of Being a BJP Agent Amid Election Strategy Allegations

In a significant political development, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has accused poll strategist Prashant Kishor of being a “BJP agent.” These allegations come at a crucial time during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, with Yadav suggesting that Kishor is being funded by the BJP to influence the election narrative. This accusation adds another layer of complexity to the already charged political atmosphere in Bihar and across India.

Tejashwi Yadav’s Allegations

Tejashwi Yadav, the former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, made these allegations during a public statement on Friday. He claimed that the BJP, facing potential losses in the ongoing elections, has roped in Prashant Kishor to manipulate the narrative after three to four rounds of voting. Yadav pointed out that Kishor, who now heads his own party, Jan Suraaj, has been deeply involved in Bihar’s political landscape, having previously managed campaigns for various parties and served as the national vice president of Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United).

Connection with Amit Shah and BJP

Yadav further alleged that Prashant Kishor’s close association with the BJP is not new. He mentioned that even his uncle, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, had once stated that Kishor was made the national vice president of JDU at the behest of Amit Shah, the Home Minister. This claim, according to Yadav, has never been denied by either Shah or Kishor. The RJD leader asserted that Kishor has been aligned with the BJP from the beginning, and his involvement with any party tends to lead to its downfall.

Funding and Organizational Allegations

One of the critical points in Yadav’s allegations was the claim that Kishor maintains salaried district presidents, a practice he suggests is not even common within the BJP. He questioned the source of Kishor’s funding, implying that the BJP is backing him financially as part of their electoral strategy. Yadav accused Kishor of manipulating voter data and working with various political entities year after year to serve the BJP’s interests.

Reaction to Viral Fake Screenshot

The controversy was further fueled by a fake screenshot circulating on social media, falsely claiming that Prashant Kishor had been appointed as the BJP’s national spokesperson. This rumor prompted a strong response from Kishor’s Jan Suraaj party, which issued a statement denouncing the fake news. The party also criticized Congress and its leader Jairam Ramesh for allegedly spreading the fake document. This incident highlights the pervasive issue of misinformation and its impact on political discourse.

Political Implications and Background

Tejashwi Yadav’s accusations against Prashant Kishor come at a time when Bihar’s political scene is highly volatile. Kishor, a prominent political strategist, has worked with multiple parties across India, helping them shape their election campaigns. His tenure with Nitish Kumar’s JDU ended acrimoniously in 2020, with Kumar asserting that Kishor’s induction into the party was influenced by Amit Shah.

These allegations by Yadav are likely to intensify the political rivalry between the RJD and the BJP, as well as between Yadav and Kishor. The timing of these accusations, amidst the ongoing elections, suggests a strategic move by Yadav to discredit Kishor and, by extension, the BJP.

Tejashwi Yadav’s Political Strategy

Tejashwi Yadav’s strategy appears to be focused on undermining the credibility of Prashant Kishor, whom he sees as a significant threat due to his influence and strategic acumen. By labeling Kishor as a BJP agent, Yadav aims to cast doubt on Kishor’s impartiality and question his motives. This move could potentially sway public opinion against Kishor and the BJP, especially among undecided voters.

BJP’s Response and Strategy

The BJP has yet to officially respond to these allegations. However, the party’s strategy in Bihar has often involved complex alliances and strategic partnerships. The involvement of Kishor, a seasoned strategist, could be seen as part of a broader plan to secure electoral success in a state where political dynamics are highly fluid.

Conclusion

Tejashwi Yadav’s allegations against Prashant Kishor introduce a new dynamic into the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. By accusing Kishor of being a BJP agent and questioning his funding sources, Yadav aims to discredit both Kishor and the BJP. This development underscores the intense political rivalry in Bihar and highlights the broader challenges of managing political narratives in an era of misinformation.

As the elections progress, the impact of these allegations on voter sentiment and the overall election outcome remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the battle for Bihar’s political future is as fierce as ever, with every move and counter-move adding to the high-stakes drama of Indian politics.

Read more: Marketing News, Advertising News, PR and Finance News, Digital News

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"Look At The Irony": Prashant Kishor Party's Fact-Check As BJP Rumours Swirl

Social media is abuzz with a screenshot claiming that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appointed poll strategist and politician Prashant Kishor as their national spokesperson. Prashant Kishor's party, Jan Suraaj, has issued a statement saying that the so-called BJP letter is fake.

Prashant Kishor's party also hit out at the Congress, accusing its leader Jairam Ramesh of sharing the fake image. On its official X handle, Jan Suraaj shared a screenshot that they claimed proved that the document was shared by the senior Congress leader on WhatsApp.

"Look at the irony! Congress, Rahul Gandhi You all talk about fake news and claim to be the victims. Now see yourself how the head of Communications of Congress Party, Jairam Ramesh, apparently a senior leader, is personally circulating a fake document," the party said in the post.

The image shows a BJP letterhead claiming that party president JP Nadda has appointed Prashant Kishor as the party's national spokesperson. It was shared by several users on X and Facebook.

The image went viral after Mr Kishor predicted a victory for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP in an exclusive interview with NDTV on Tuesday.

Mr Kishor, who had worked with PM Modi and the BJP during the 2014 polls, said that the BJP's tally in this election may hover around its 2019 score of 303 or better than it. He also credited the ruling party with shifting the election discourse from merely crossing the half-way mark to winning 370 seats in the Lok Sabha.

"In the last three-four months, the discussion has centred around '370' and '400 paar'. Consider it a BJP strategy or Opposition's weakness, but the BJP has entirely shifted the goalpost from 272 to 370. This has benefitted the BJP. Now, no one is saying Modi ji will lose, they are saying they may not get 370 seats," said the poll strategist.