The web sparks Indian politics and how. After voices from around the world against authoritarian regimes in the Middle East flooded Facebook, the influence is hitting Indian political shores too. And we’re not just talking about profiles of politicians here. Soon after the Delhi Lokayukta (ombudsman) recommended the removal of PWD Minister Raj Kumar Chauhan from the council of Ministers as he tried to protect a resort in a tax evasion case, several BJP leaders from the city reportedly joined a Facebook group to demand Chauhan’s dismissal. While some call it sheer politics on cyberspace, others feel it’s the power of social media that is now compelling politicians to get cracking on social networks.
Sumati Arora, MA, Pol. Science student from JNU says, “It is simply a diplomatic political strategy with the use of latest technology. The new Facebook group on anti-corruption is not only against corruption, but also against the Congress by a BJP group. Similarly, many other pressure groups and movements are emerging in cyber space, which is influencing people. Targeting youth is their only agenda with such groups on Facebook.”
Even as politicians are trying to make their online presence felt, the youth don’t seem too impressed with it. “The whole idea of mobilising people in virtual space does not correspond to the real scenario in a country as diverse as India. To get support from the masses by just putting up a page on Facebook is not enough. At times there are various fake profiles of the same person,” says Prashant Mishra, a JNU student.
At the same time, from Obama’s online campaign to Tharoor’s controversial tweets, social networks have shown they can evoke myriad reactions from the public. “Ever since Shashi Tharoor made headlines with his controversial tweet, Twitter won great attention amongst the political class. Social networks have become a major media to express their opinions. It’s interesting to see how Indian politics has taken to the Web and a number of leaders and MPs now have profiles on social networks. Even if some of these are fake, they surely make news every time something controversial comes up,” avers Monica Nathani, a commerce student. For some, social networks are creating a new wave in Indian politics with now even politicians raising a voice against corruption on the web. “These networks are adding transparency in the conduct of politicians and soon we’ll see leaders using social networks to unveil the dirty face of politicians,” says Varun Pajla, an engineering student.