There are serious discussions on upcoming elections in social networking media such as blogs, Twitter and Orkut. A post in Twitter criticises Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP’s) online campaign and the party’s take on IT. It says, “BJP started SMS spamming Ha Ha... Not sure if it'll irritate ppl (people). In 1st batch of SMS they declared free mobile and laptop to public.” “Is BJP fighting on wrong issues? National security is its forte and Congress's Achilles heel. Instead of that why is it focusing on IT?” wonders another tweet. “It's now BJP's turn to offer freebies; a free mobile phone to 1 crore (10 million) people and laptops for 10,000”, says another. “Bjp giving cellphones, will congress give charger?” Asks another tweet.

Many expressed the opinion that BJP’s online advertisements might give over-exposure to the party. “What BJP doesn’t know is that too much communication kills a bad product faster!” says a tweet. “These days I am seeing Mr LK Advani on almost all sites…”, adds another. “Wow BJP is harnessing Google ad words to the hilt - any search for Congress, Rahul Gandhi or related gives you a Google ad on Advani,” says another. Political parties are being promoted on Twitter by unofficial Twitter accounts, much to the dismay of other users. “No politics on twitter ....pls... y do i c (why do I see) BJP & Congress surfacing?” asks another. “Is blog world becoming BJP world?” Exclaims another. 

In the blog ‘Gauravonomics’, the blogger said, “I believe that we will see an unprecedented amount of online debate on the many problems facing India and even specific political parties and candidates. We will also see a serious ‘get out the vote’ campaign to get more young people to go out to vote”.

Some of the discussion boards urge the voters, “Today let’s take a pledge that we all will vote... and vote to a sensible leader, who has a plan and a vision for growth of his constituency”.

A post in Linkedin criticises the prime minister, “There is no leadership in India. The PM needs to be decisive and dynamic. India needs a vastly-improved anti-terrorism capability. It is no use pointing fingers at other, unless he takes responsibility and does something constructive”.

A discussion in Twitter criticises the Congress for using the ‘Jai ho’ song from Slumdog Millionaire. “The Congress has lost all credibility in my books after lobbying the ‘Slumdog’ kids for their campaign,” said a tweet.  “Indian Congress party bought the rights to Jai ho, the Oscar-winning song for $200K. How many starving children will it feed?” asks another. People also compare BJP’s online campaign with that of Congress. “Indian Political party BJP is betting big on internet audience for 2009 election, I see their adverts all places. Congress targets roadsides”.

Discussion on Twitter also reacts to BJP candidate Varun Gandhi’s alleged hate speech. “After being under so much pressure to get younger leaders, all the BJP could manage was Varun Gandhi. I pity them”, says a tweet. “I think if BJP plays it cards well, it can make this Varun Gandhi's flame speech controversy to work for it and make some smart gains”, another thinks.

They also discuss the role of Rahul Gandhi in future politics. “Rahul Gandhi is a prime minister in the waiting but am sure Sonia Gandhi will put him up there when the time's right.” Will Manmohan Singh stand up and earn his right to be a contender for the top job or merely fulfill Her Majesty's wishes”, wonders another about the role of Manmohan Singh in Congress.

 “These (political) leaders arouse high emotion, both among their followers and their dissenters. They do not feel accessible outside the caste/religious groups they represent. I find their lack of broader appeal worrying. Political leaders with limited reach, and those who inspire fear in some citizens and passion in others cannot effectively lead a country as diverse as India”, says a blog imaginingindia.

In Orkut, people discuss which party should win the 2009 elections. “BJP... because we can’t tolerate any more terrorist attacks”, says one. “It must be National Democratic Alliance (NDA) for betterment of this country...” says another. “United Progressive Party (UPA) ruined this country like anything...terrorism...inflation...in many more issues where the government failed,” says another. “Congress - Manmohan Singh is far better the Advani”, claims another. X

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