Social media, vital tool for poll campaign in Madurai

Social media is abuzz with activities of various candidates contesting in the Lok Sabha elections here.

Several candidates such as CPI (M)’s B. Vikraman, DMDK’s D. Sivamuthukumar, AAP’s M. Kamacis, Congress’ T.N. Bharat Natchiappan and DMK’s V. Veluchamy have active Facebook accounts in their names.

P. Sethuraman, district president of Congress, says, “Online campaign is evoking a good response.”

Mr. Natchiappan’s account is loaded with campaign photos posted by cadre. Mr. Natchiappan has no time to update anything himself because of a packed campaign schedule, says Mr. Sethuraman.

Mr. Kamacis acknowledges the role social media played in popularising the party among the masses and says, “Campaigns through SMS and social media are gaining prominence with the changing times. People are becoming averse to the conventional campaigning methods.”

Team AAP in Madurai is currently working on establishing the party in the city and campaigning for votes, leaving little time for social media interaction, he adds. “With the probabilities of online voting being discussed already by the people, I think online campaigning will play a larger role in helping people to choose candidates in future,” Mr. Kamasis says.

Mr. Vikraman believes that meeting people and interacting is the best way to campaign. However, he admits that online campaign helps candidates reach out to the younger generation among voters. The DMK has an active network in WhatsApp, says a DMK member. Mr. Veluchamy’s account has photo updates of DMK campaign.

The AIADMK is yet to make its presence online.