Critics say the BJP co-opted youth fan bases of social media stars to push its political message.
NEW DELHI – Indian folk singer Maithili Thakur thought she was successful, with millions following her on social media for her Hindu devotional tunes – but then India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent her popularity soaring into the stratosphere.critics say Mr Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has co-opted the vast youth fan bases of hugely influential social media stars – in fields ranging from music to culture, and fashion to fitness – to push its political message.
“There are many influencers who are collaborating with the current ruling government and making videos,” said Ms Thakur, who has 14 million followers on Facebook, and more than 4.5 million each on Instagram and YouTube. “So much buzz was created,” said Ms Thakur, who was named Cultural Ambassador of the Year at the National Creators Award – where she shared videos of meeting Mr Modi.was built at the site of a centuries-old mosque that was razed by a mob of Hindu zealots in 1992.
“Purely on the question of incentives, you can see how this will skew them to engage in discourse that’s overwhelmingly positive, or at least non-critical.” With over half of India’s 1.4 billion people aged under 30, according to government health figures, using social media is a “tactic” to reach out to young voters, Ms Thakur added.The Indian government’s online platform, MyGov, also carried interviews with the prize-winning influencers praising Mr Modi.
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
India’s citizenship law to consolidate votes for PM Modi ahead of election, analysts sayIt grants citizenships to Hindus, Parsis, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains and Christians from neighbouring countries.
Read more »
Trump fires back at critics over ‘blood bath’ commentsLatest Breaking News
Read more »
Critics not wild about private zoo set up by Indian billionaire Ambani’s youngest sonZoo was venue of Mr Anant Ambani’s grand pre-wedding bash from March 1 to 3.
Read more »
Modi rival’s arrest before elections prompts opposition furyOpposition leaders say it is a systematic crackdown, but the ruling party insists it is the law taking its course.
Read more »
Modi rival’s arrest before election prompts opposition furyOpposition leaders say it is a systematic crackdown, but the ruling party insists it is the law taking its course.
Read more »
India's Congress party accuses Modi of using tax department to freeze their fundsIndia's main opposition Congress party has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government of using the tax department to starve them of finances. The frozen accounts contain more than US$25 million. The funds were locked up last month over claims that the party was late in filing its tax returns.
Read more »