Followers, not us, are behind negative memes: Parties

MANGALURU: Across the country, war rooms are working round-the-clock and the ones in Dakshina Kannada Lok Sabha constituency are no exception. The IT cells of Congress and BJP say they are only sending out positive messages and have no role in circulation of memes which often mock the opponents. They attribute these memes to a dedicated set of young followers.
Congress’ Dakshina Kannada candidate Mithun Rai says he is not sure about the people behind these memes. “A lot of people are doing this for my sake. Youngsters, who want a change, could be behind this. I do not believe in mockery as too much mockery will create sympathy,” Mithun says.

Suraj Jain Marnad, convener of the BJP’s social media camapaign in Dakshina Kannada, says the official team is not engaged in negative campaigning. “The focus is only on highlighting the work of the Union government as well as the MP during the past 10 years,” he says.

Countering memes on the incomplete pumpwell flyover has been tough for the BJP. “During a recent interview to a private television channel, MP Kateel explained the reasons for the delay. The same message would be circulated on WhatsApp groups,” says Marnad.

BJP’s IT team has been working for the past two-and-half years, but the Congress’ online campaign picked up pace only after Mithun was declared the candidate.

Mithun, who himself handles the district IT cell, has given clear-cut directions on the theme of his election campaign. “I am here to put forward my vision and not counter negative comments. Campaigns are being built around ‘voice of the youth’, ‘voice of Dakshina Kannada’ and ‘time for change’,” he says.

Mithun’s short video, soon after filing the nomination has already gone viral.

Marnad says that the BJP will start releasing short videos of MP Nalin Kumar Kateel’s election campaigns.


“I was moved when former Union minister Janardhan Poojary spoke in my favour recently, but that was given a different dimension. Morphed videos were circulated. I did not want to justify, but those in my favour were quick to explain that on social media.”

Mithun Rai, congress candidate, dakshina kannada

“We have been requesting people not to forward any content on social media without verifying. The Election Commission also has taken note of the issue.”

S Sasikanth Senthil, deputy commissioner