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Congress leader Supriya Shrinate criticizes ruling party digital strategy and Election Commission

Reported by Tanvi Pillai (Section Editor) · ThePrint - Politics ·

Unconfirmed — Reported by one source so far

Reported by one source so far

Important
Congress leader Supriya Shrinate criticizes ruling party digital strategy and Election CommissionRepresentative image · Wikimedia Commons

Congress social media head Supriya Shrinate stated that the ruling party has failed to connect with younger digital audiences on platforms like Instagram and YouTube because it prefers echo chambers over genuine engagement. In an interaction, Shrinate explained that digital strategies must vary by platform because different apps serve distinct age groups and cohorts. She contrasted this with Rahul Gandhi's approach, noting that 60 to 70 per cent of space at his programmes is given to young students to voice their concerns. Shrinate also criticized social media attacks targeting Sonia Gandhi and objected to political rhetoric involving Prime Minister Narendra Modi's late mother.

Election Commission

Turning to the electoral process, Shrinate asserted that India's democracy is under serious threat from the institution responsible for holding free and fair elections. She cited figures claiming that thirteen crore Indians lost their voting rights across 31 states and Union Territories during the Special Intensive Revision, noting that people from within the Election Commission have called the move illegal and unauthorised. She questioned why the ruling party holds press conferences to support an independent statutory body and demanded that Gyanesh Kumar resign.

Alliances And Strategy

Addressing coalition politics, Shrinate said the INDIA bloc functions as a political party rather than an NGO, uniting on larger issues like the Constitution and free and fair elections despite state-level competition. She defended the decision to split with the DMK and ally with the TVK in Tamil Nadu as a step to keep political opponents out of the state. In Uttar Pradesh, she confirmed that seat-sharing talks are ongoing between the Congress and the Samajwadi Party, adding that they would welcome the Bahujan Samaj Party into the coalition.

Context

Social media strategy and coalition dynamics play a major role in shaping political narratives and opposition unity ahead of elections in India. Party spokespersons frequently use media interactions to outline both digital outreach efforts and institutional criticisms regarding electoral administration.

ExplainerWhy this matters

What Happened

Congress social media chairperson Supriya Shrinate launched a broad attack on the ruling party's digital strategy, criticized social media attacks on Sonia Gandhi, and raised serious allegations against the Election Commission regarding voter list revisions.

Why It Matters

These statements highlight the growing political friction between the opposition and election authorities over voter disenfranchisement claims. They also underscore how major political parties are reshaping their digital communication to target younger voters on platforms like Instagram and YouTube.

What Happens Next

The opposition parties are expected to discuss further action during upcoming meetings, including the Congress Working Committee, while questions surrounding electoral roll revisions and institutional accountability remain central to national political debates.

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