How BJP fell behind on its own pitch in Lok Sabha elections, know where BJP went wrong

Dissatisfaction with the media

During the elections, the opposition was completely dependent on social media. The constituent parties of India especially used this medium to convey their message and connect with the people. Congress especially expressed its displeasure towards the mainstream media from public platforms. Rahul Gandhi did not give a single interview. The opposition and its supporters put all their strength on social media, especially YouTube. Social media influencers also supported them in this. The video made against BJP by social media influencer Dhruv Rathi went viral across the country and got crores of views. The opposition also used this video. Such videos strengthened the point that BJP can change the Constitution after winning 400 seats.

The opposition's lead

Statistics also show that during the last one year, the opposition has continuously strengthened on social media platforms. However, just before the elections, BJP and Narendra Modi himself realized this. Before the elections, Modi also met social media influencers. But, the opposition got the benefit of the lead it got in the beginning. Whether it is the issue of changing the constitution, the issue of employment for the youth or any other issue, the opposition made better use of social media.

Congress video goes viral

The trends of voting pattern show how much impact social media had on the elections. Youth between 18 and 30 years voted more for the opposition this time as compared to 2014 and 2019. Rahul Gandhi's videos were watched 300% more on YouTube and Instagram. Congress' manifesto was downloaded one crore times. The number of people watching content against BJP on YouTube was more.

BJP's mistake

In the second term of the Modi government, alternative media and social media played the same role as they did during the UPA-2 era. In fact, it had started during the farmers' movement itself. Then the farmers used social media effectively and the movement continued throughout the year. Finally, the farmers were successful in getting their demands accepted. However, this time when the opposition was increasing its reach on social media, the BJP rejected it saying that it has become stronger on the ground. But, somewhere its assessment proved wrong, especially regarding the first-time voters. In the last few years, Brand Rahul has also become stronger among such voters.

first impression

10 years ago, in 2014, people saw such an election for the first time in which social media also became a battlefield. Narendra Modi emerged as a superstar there. During the entire election, social media not only broke news but also interfered in opinion making. At that time, 163 Lok Sabha seats were in urban or developing areas. According to experts, social media played an effective role in election campaigning and influencing people's votes in these places. Despite the limited expansion of the Internet in 2014, social media had a profound impact on the election. At that time, the opposition seemed completely unaware of this platform. But, the lessons learnt then gradually started making their presence felt here as well.

BJP on the backfoot

A decade ago, for the first time, social media confirmed the possibility of being used as a powerful weapon to advance campaigns and narratives in India. Earlier, whether it was Anna Hazare's Lokpal movement or the movement that started after the Delhi gang rape, their outline was made on social media. Narendra Modi and his team then recognized the potential hidden in it and formed a strong team and started the campaign here. On this platform, Modi emerged as a popular leader not only in the country but also in the world. Even today he is the strongest on social media. But, somewhere the ruling party could not counter the collective attack of the opposition and social media influencers. On the ground where BJP and Narendra Modi used to be invincible, in this election they were completely on the backfoot.