Poll Campaigning Facebook Style

This is something new to India. A politician using social networking site to interact with masses is quite common in countries like US, UK or European continent but for Indian electorate Kerala’s CM Oommen Chandy’s live broadcast through Facebook on Monday, was perhaps first of sorts.

Indian politicians are not known to be tech savvy. Election campaigning is usually about big podiums, huge rallies and long speeches (primarily barbs and criticism from the opposition party). That’s it. But what CM Chandy did was different. What better example of India going ‘digital’.

Chandy interacted live with people from different walks of life for 30 minutes last night and it was a big hit with people who asked questions on various issues ranging from controversial topics like exempting Vigilance department from the RTI’s purview, ‘Karuna and metrankayal’ land deals, Kochi metro rail and Kannur airport projects, among others.

As Chief Minister of the poll-bound state replied to questions from the Facebook audience, his broadcast received over 13,000 comments which included questions, wishes and some criticism. The post was also liked by around 5,800 users and was shared around 2,400 times.

“The biggest power of democracy is discussion, debate, criticism and product exchange of words. I am considering this platform as an ideal venue for this. I thank everyone for all of your opinions, feedbacks, criticism and suggestions that have been passed on through this event,” the Chief Minister said during the start of the broadcast which began at 9 pm.

Chandy also took the opportunity to urge people to whole-heartedly support the phased ban on alcohol in the state. For Kannur airport project he said the airport will be commissioned on 1 November this year and commercial operations would begin soon after that.

The assembly polls are scheduled to be held in Kerala on May 16.

You can contact the Kerela Chief Minister at http://www.keralacm.gov.in/