Recognising the ever-increasing role of social media in shaping public opinion and influencing election outcomes, the Congress has launched a fresh digital drive to energise its grassroots leadership.
The All India Congress Committee (AICC) has issued new directives to all District Congress Committees (DCCs), making it mandatory for their presidents to strengthen their presence on digital platforms.
Under the guidelines, every DCC president must become ‘social media friendly’ and secure at least 500 new followers within a month.
The initiative is intended to expand the party’s digital reach, strengthen communication with citizens, and directly counter the dominance of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has built one of the most sophisticated and aggressive social media networks in Indian politics.
Congress leaders admit that the party’s messaging has often lagged behind in the digital space, where the BJP has successfully shaped narratives and mobilised support.
To support the new push, two digital volunteers will be appointed in every district, primarily from the Youth Congress or the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI). Their role will be to help district presidents create, curate, and disseminate content.
In addition, each DCC unit must post at least once daily—covering party activities, local issues, campaigns, or press notes—ensuring that Congress’s messaging consistently reaches voters’ smartphones and homes.
The AICC has emphasised that the focus should be on creativity and impact, not just routine posting.
Content is expected to highlight local concerns, promote Congress policies, and expose shortcomings of the Government. By doing so, the party aims to bridge the communication gap with citizens and compete more effectively with the BJP’s digital machinery.
Senior leaders have explained the rationale behind this shift.
“Social media can build or damage an image. It has the power to influence people’s thinking, and even election results. This is why we want our district leadership to harness this tool effectively,” said one senior AICC functionary.
Bhopal City Congress president Sanjeev Saxena endorsed the move, calling it both timely and necessary.
“This is a good initiative to enhance the presence of district presidents on social media. It will help us connect more directly with people and ensure that our message is not lost in the noise created by rivals,” he remarked.
While the assembly elections are around three years away, the AICC has already initiated preparations for it.
Congress hopes that energising district-level leaders on social media will not only strengthen its grassroots organisation but also ensure its voice is heard alongside, and in competition with, the BJP’s powerful digital presence.