Karnataka: With assembly polls nearing, netas turn active on social media

HUBBALLI: Here is a video that has been viewed widely. A politician stops his car seeing some school children in a village. He gives some chocolates. In turn those children raise slogans in favour of that politician terming him as ‘future CM’!
This is not an incident limited to one politician, but many are posting similar videos on social media. In the wake of the upcoming assembly election in the state, several sitting MLAs, former MLAs, and MLA aspirants are becoming active on social media, especially on Facebook. This time they prefer to post their videos rather than just photographs. Such videos have become popular among non-political internet.
Sunil Kulkarni, a techie and a social media observer in Kalaburagi, noted that using social media during elections is a new normal in the country. “However, this time politicians are hyperactive and are sharing their videos showcasing their routine life. Nothing is wrong with it.
But their activity should not be restricted to sharing videos of mere felicitations and appreciations. They should also ensure they share outcome-based delivery on their contribution to their constituency. It will help them,” he said.
Dr Ravikumar Kariyappanavar, a doctor at Batakurki village in Ramdurg taluk, said he watches the videos to pass time when he is free at his clinic.
“Many politicians, facing corruption charges, are acting like Satya Harishchandra in these videos. They say very interesting dialogues. Most of them look like buffoons as their acta are a contrast to their acting. We enjoy them as comedy shows,” he shared.
Rajkumar Madiwalar, a shopkeeper in Jayanagar, Dharwad, said he is least bothered about politics. “However, whenever I see some politicians’ videos, I go through the comments made by their supporters describing them as great souls, sun, moon etc. Some comments compare them with great souls like Basavanna, Gandhiji, Sriramachandra of Ramayana and Dharmaraja of Mahabharata. I just laugh at them and move ahead,” he said.
Veena, a private employee, said such politicians and their supporters are very intolerant towards criticism. “Recently, a politician shared a video of inaugurating the repair work of a road. In the comment box, I mentioned that a heavy amount was spent for the same road and urged the politician to ensure qualitative work. I had to quit Facebook following their indecent reactions. It shows that our politics is not mature for healthy debates,” she said.