BHOPAL: Local residents will cast vote after assessing the previous performance of a candidate. Fierce electioneering on social media has hardly impacted them, a section of voters told Free Press. They said political canvas, which the nation witnessed during the Lok Sabha elections in 2014 has changed. So, the poll results will paint a different picture this time. Excerpts of their opinions:
Pankaj Thakur, 31 Joint secretary, Bhumihar Brahmin Samaj
It is true that impact of social media was too much during the Lok Sabha elections in 2014. In fact, the BJP had spent around Rs 100 crore for its campaigning on social media. But time has changed now. Now, people have become more aware and they know the reality. ‘Party nahi vyakti dekhiye, Loktantra ki shakti dekhiye…”
Rekha Sharma, 39, Social activist
I don’t vote by seeing election campaign on social media. I first see the previous work of political party and candidate. After collecting all the information, we decide whom to vote. Nowadays, social media is flooded with fake news. So, how can we trust them blindly? Now, voters have become aware. I don’t vote without knowing fact.”
Dr Sarita Shrivastava, 71,
President, Bhopal Beauty Association I use social media but I don’t think anyone including me will cast vote influenced by social media. Sensible people will vote after giving much thought. They will not go by social media. First of all, I will discuss it with my family members and friends and then I decide whom to vote.”
Rahul Sen, 24, Student
I think social media is a medium of promotion now. It is one-way communication. For example, Election Commission is interacting with people on social media under voter awareness campaign. But we can’t cross check how many people are hearing us. I don’t think there is any impact of social media on voters. I vote after seeing work of candidate in our area.”
Suchita Talreja, 49, Homemaker
I use WhatsApp and Facebook but I don’t pay attention to it much. We became fed up with the messages regarding election campaign on social media. So, we especially instructed group members that don’t forward or share such messages on WhatsApp. We discuss with our family and friends and then decide whom to vote.”
Shailendra Dubey, 27, Student
Social media is flooded with videos and messages on elections. But I see it only for entertainment. I didn’t pay much attention to it. My vote is not influenced by any social media campaigning. I vote after seeing previous performance of our local candidate.”