Ranga Reddy : Political campaigning goes digital amid Covid

Ranga Reddy : The GHMC elections in Hyderabad chose social media as a new battleground for election campaigning amid Covid-19 pandemic. The election candidates are afraid to arrange the campaign in public areas as there will be large gatherings during campaigning.

Unlike the conventional ways of sending messages, recorded calls and public gatherings, this election saw politicians leveraging social media to reach out to their constituents like never before. Even those who were reluctant earlier have now become active either out of necessity to keep up with their peers or as mandated by their political party.

The election candidates know that there are 300-500 people testing positive for Covid-19 in Hyderabad, Medchal and Ranga Reddy districts everyday has limited their campaigning strength in few permitted areas to very low crowds.

Some politicians have nailed the art of social media engagement, with an amazing mix of personal feelings and smart positioning. Political leaders are also creating WhatsApp and Facebook groups including every voter of that certain street or colony and are campaigning with help of their followers.

Experts and strategists say cancelling events in some areas was obviously the right call, both for safety of the candidates and public.