Makes inroads into TS with web of whatsapp groups
NAVEENA GHANATE
n hyderabad
The Congress is focused on expanding its village-level reach as part of its election campaign ahead of the Telangana elections. The Congress officially has access to around 7,000 WhatsApp groups all over Telangana which is likely to double in the next 45 days.
TPCC Social Media Coordinator Naveen Pettem said, “In 50 Assembly seats, village-wise and division-level communities have been set up on social media. By October 15 the party intends to complete creating village-level committees. The party has created 4,000 village committees.”
In the Congress social media, there is a state body of 30 members, a district body of 66 members, two coordinators in every constituency and also mandal coordinators. In addition to these, village committees have also been created.
Naveen said that the Congress has access to around 7,000 WhatsApp groups and normally they provide content on press meets, TPCC chief Revanth Reddy’s speeches, counters to opponents, declarations etc.
He said that on average per day three messages are sent in these groups. “Not only pushing content, there is a reverse feedback mechanism from Assembly and village coordinators. The party is intensifying its WhatsApp network. On Facebook and Instagram, the reach is good. On Instagram, there are influencers and fans of Congress which would come to around 200. We will hold a meeting with them soon.
The Congress is yet to pick up on Twitter. We need to train people on it as it is a bit sophisticated,” he said.
The Congress sees BRS as their rival on social media. “The BJP’s traction has come down in the last three months,” he said. As days pass by the electoral battle in Telangana will heat up not just on the roads but on WhatsApp groups as well.
