The political atmosphere seems to be changing rapidly before the 15th Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections to be held in Mumbai. In this election of the country’s richest municipal body, along with traditional rallies and door-to-door campaigning, digital platforms have emerged as the most important strategic weapons. Political parties have started wooing voters, especially the youth and the urban class, through social media, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and online campaigns.
This time 227 corporators are to be selected in the BMC elections, but the method of campaign seems quite different from before. Instagram reels, YouTube shorts and WhatsApp groups have now become the fastest medium to reach voters. Emphasis is being placed on short videos, graphics and easily shareable content so that the message reaches as many people as possible. Activism on digital platforms has now become not just an option but a condition for electoral success. In a crowded urban environment, online presence is giving direct benefits to the parties.
BJP’s emphasis on AI and branding
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has kept digital branding at the center in this election. The party has kept its slogans, colors and messages the same in both online and offline mediums, so as to strengthen the identity among the voters. Additionally, content created using AI-generated videos and popular fictional characters has attracted significant attention on social media. The purpose of these videos is to attract young voters and present the message in an entertaining manner.
Development based campaign of Shiv Sena (UBT)
Whereas Shiv Sena (UBT) has given importance to development works in its digital campaign. The party is presenting big infrastructure projects like Mumbai Coastal Road as its achievements. Through digital posters and videos, an attempt is being made to tell what kind of facilities the city got during his tenure in the Municipal Corporation. Discussion and debate regarding these claims has also intensified on social media.
Other parties including Congress are also in digital mode
Congress and other political parties are also now seriously adopting digital mediums. Efforts are being made to make the message simple and effective through AI visuals, short videos and trending formats. According to experts, now more attention is being given to attractiveness, shareability and memorable presentation of the message than the detailed manifesto.
New round in municipal elections
The increasing role of digital campaigns in Mumbai BMC elections indicates that in the coming times, local body elections may also be completely technology-driven. Social media is now becoming not just a means of propaganda but also a center of political discussion. As the voting date approaches, claims, counter-attacks and propaganda on online platforms are expected to intensify. It is clear that this time the Mumbai Municipal Corporation elections are being fought not only on the streets but also in the digital world.
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