Improved social media presence marks JD(U)'s 2019 LS elections' strategy
What's the story
Taking cue from its ally BJP, Nitish Kumar's JD(U) will improve its social-media presence to reach a wider audience. Though JD(U) has social media accounts, they are not updated on a daily basis. Further, most of its leaders are not active users.
Now, as per Nitish's new diktat, JD(U) members have been asked to learn how to use Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp.
Here's more!
Reach out
JD(U) workers will connect with grassroots throughout the year
JD(U) workers will reach out to Bihar's villages. What's more, they aren't entitled to a holiday. They will spread the message: JD(U) is a "party with a difference."
This will be done to promote Nitish's social campaigns like alcohol prohibition and cracking down on dowry and child marriages. Further, JD(U) workers' families have been asked to print these messages on their wedding invitation cards.
Booth-level
Priority will be given to booth-level management
For having enviable election machinery, senior leaders have asked workers to give priority to booth-level management in urban and rural areas.
A Bihar-based JD(U) leader said "The workers have been asked to rope in women, members of self-help-groups, ex-army men, retired cops and teachers at every booth, to widen the party's base."
They have instructed youth members to increase participation in party activities.
Web portal
A state-of-the-art web portal is in the pipeline
With eyes on the 2019 LS elections, the party will launch a renovated, state-of the-art web portal to entice tech savvy voters.
The JD(U) website will feature the party's agenda, activities and web magazines. It will also give information about joining the party or connecting with it.
Users' feedback will also be taken to ensure the website's interactivity with the audience.
Social media
Surprisingly, Nitish wasn't always fond of social media
Interestingly, before 2014, Nitish wasn't a huge social-media fan. He consistently took digs at political leaders for their reliance on social media while campaigning.
He had criticized the Modi government for making social media "anti-social." In a veiled reference to BJP, Nitish had said "divisive forces" were using social media as a "character assassination" tool.
Now, it seems Nitish has adapted to the times.