Social Media Revolutionizes Campaigning for Bokaro Civic Elections
As the Chas Municipal Corporation elections draw closer, political aspirants in Bokaro have dramatically intensified their social media campaigning efforts to establish direct connections with the electorate. With voting scheduled to commence in less than a month, and the state election commission having already established clear expenditure limits, this digital blitz has emerged as the preferred strategy for modern political outreach.
Nomination Window Opens Amidst Digital Surge
The nomination window for the crucial civic body polls officially opened on Thursday, marking the beginning of formal electoral proceedings. In the previous election held eleven years ago, forty-two candidates contested for the prestigious mayor's position. Political observers anticipate that number will significantly increase this election cycle, with numerous aspirants already publicly declaring their intentions through various social media platforms.
The municipal corporation encompasses approximately 1.62 lakh electors distributed across thirty-five distinct wards, creating a substantial digital audience for candidates to engage.
Prominent Candidates Embrace Digital Platforms
Former Mayor Bholu Paswan, considered one of the most prominent figures in the current race, has been particularly active across multiple online platforms. Regularly sharing visual content from his door-to-door campaigns and public meetings, Paswan emphasized the transformative power of digital tools.
"Social media enables us to reach every household directly without intermediaries," Paswan explained. "Residents genuinely want to witness our ongoing work and understand our vision clearly, without the typical noise and excessive expense associated with traditional campaigning methods."
Another serious mayoral contender, Gopal Murarka, who secured second position in the previous election, has similarly amplified his digital presence. "While the communication medium has fundamentally changed, the core issues facing our community remain consistent," Murarka noted. "We continue to address essential concerns including reliable water supply, road infrastructure maintenance, sanitation services, and governmental transparency."
Diverse Candidates Join Digital Movement
Other aspirants have equally recognized the importance of social media in contemporary politics. Vikas Pandey, a private hospital owner entering the political arena, acknowledged that "social media platforms have evolved into indispensable tools for establishing genuine connections with residents."
Among the expanding field of candidates, several have demonstrated notable digital activity:
- Gajender Prasad Himanshu maintains highly active social media profiles
- Jamil Akhtar regularly engages with voters through digital channels
- Nimai Mahto utilizes online platforms for voter communication
- Umesh Thakur has adopted digital strategies for campaign outreach
This collective shift represents a significant movement away from conventional campaign approaches that traditionally relied on physical rallies and loudspeaker-driven announcements.
Residents Welcome Digital Engagement
Local residents appear largely receptive to this digital transformation in political campaigning. Rajesh Kumar, a resident of ward number two, expressed appreciation for the enhanced accessibility.
"Digital platforms allow us to conveniently compare candidates, watch their recorded speeches at our leisure, and even pose direct questions through comment sections," Kumar observed.
Another voter named Priya highlighted the improved transparency: "Previously, we primarily encountered printed banners and posters. Now we can better evaluate which candidates demonstrate seriousness through consistent engagement versus those merely making empty promises."
Election Commission Issues Strict Guidelines
Meanwhile, the State Election Commission has issued stringent instructions to prevent defacement of both public and private property throughout the campaign period. District Election Officer-cum-Deputy Commissioner Ajay Nath Jha issued clear warnings regarding potential violations.
"Any infringement of the Prevention of Defacement of Property Act 1987 will invite appropriate penal action," Jha emphasized, underscoring the commission's commitment to maintaining orderly and lawful election proceedings.
As Bokaro prepares for these significant civic elections, the convergence of traditional political aspirations with modern digital strategies continues to reshape how candidates communicate with constituents and how voters evaluate their prospective representatives.
