The BJP’s parliamentary party has recently issued a confidential directive to all state MPs outlining strategies for using social media more effectively to strengthen connections between the party and the public.

The nine-point directive, along with several recommendations sent to all MPs nationwide, instructs them to make seven to eight posts daily on all platforms, 60 per cent of which should be videos, with special emphasis on attacking Opposition parties.

The directive instructs all MPs to make it a practice to share every post by the Prime Minister and the Prime Minister’s Office, emphasising the need to highlight the benefits of central schemes and initiatives.

The MPs have also been advised to share posts related to Mann Ki Baat, the Union budget, election results and similar topics. They have to monitor news portals for content and keep an eye on the social media posts of both their party at national and state levels as well as those of the Opposition parties.

“Social media platforms are becoming increasingly crucial in today’s political landscape. The Prime Minister is highly active on social media and the party wants all frontline leaders to connect with the public through these platforms,” a senior BJP MP stated.

The MP said there were plans to involve all MLAs, councillors, panchayat members and leaders at the state and district levels.

The instructions come in the wake of the RG Kar protests where social media platforms, especially WhatsApp groups, played a key role in turning what was initially expected to be a brief protest into a widespread mass movement.

For example, the "Reclaim the Night" campaign saw thousands of people from across the state spontaneously participating in silent processions on the night before Independence Day to ensure women's safety. It was initiated by a student on Facebook after the RG Kar rape and murder.

The campaign to turn off lights on September 4, which plunged the state into darkness for one hour from 9pm also gained momentum through social media platforms.

The BJP isn't the only party pushing for a stronger social media presence. Recently, chief minister Mamata Banerjee also instructed her party members to be more active online to combat fake videos and articles that were negatively influencing public perception.