Activist Asks Election Body To Monitor Online Political War In Uttar Pradesh

Social activist Amitabh Thakur has written to the Chief Election Commissioner to demand strict monitoring of the social media war between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Samajwadi Party ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly Elections.

Details

Mr. Thakur's letter highlights the growing use of personal attacks, abusive remarks, AI-generated videos, and communal messages that threaten public harmony and law and order. He urged the Election Commission of India to set up dedicated monitoring cells right away, even before the official announcement of polls or the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct. His own political party, Azad Adhikar Sena, plans to independently track online content and file complaints against unlawful propaganda.

Context

Electoral bodies in India face mounting challenges in regulating digital campaigns and deepfakes during state and national polls. Political parties often rely heavily on digital platforms to reach voters, making early oversight a key focus for election watchdogs.