The Punjab Congress has begun keeping tabs on the social-media activity of its senior leaders to assess their engagement with Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s “Chhatron Ki Goonj” campaign, as the party looks to sharpen its Gen Z outreach ahead of the upcoming assembly polls.
Rahul Gandhi has been targeting the young voters through this campaign, amid discontent among students over the issue of paper leaks. A preliminary assessment has shown that only three of around a dozen senior Punjab Congress leaders have reposted Rahul Gandhi’s posts, prompting the party to seek a more comprehensive report on the digital activity of its leaders. PPCC president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, AICC secretary Vijay Inder Singla and MLA Rana Gurjeet Singh are among those who have repeatedly reposted content related to Rahul’s programme. The exercise comes as the Congress seeks to take its campaign beyond conventional political programmes and engage young voters through campuses and social-media platforms. “The party has specially sought details of the social-media handles and activity of leaders who were recently given key organisational positions in the Punjab Congress rejig. The Punjab Congress has already decided to step up its social-media campaign, with greater focus on youth issues, digital content and direct engagement with voters. The latest exercise is also aimed at improving coordination among the state leadership in promoting the party’s campaigns and messaging ahead of the assembly polls. Local sportspersons and elected representatives will also join the interaction, giving the BJP an opportunity to directly engage with students and young voters.
Rahul’s August 22 programme in Pune focused on women and issues including identity, education and equality, with the party seeking to build a direct connect with students and young voters.
Party leaders, familiar with the matter, said the exercise is part of the state unit’s plan to strengthen its digital outreach ahead of the Punjab assembly elections, with a particular focus on how leaders are supporting the social-media campaign aimed at engaging Gen Z. Party leaders said Rahul is likely to hold similar programmes in Punjab ahead of the assembly polls. The move is aimed at ensuring that those holding important positions actively participate in the party’s digital campaigns and amplify its central messaging,” said a senior state leader, requesting anonymity. Earlier reporting noted: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to interact with students on August 27 as part of the “Khelo India Samvad” programme Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to interact with students on August 27 as part of the “Khelo India Samvad” programme Earlier reporting noted: With Punjab heading for the 2027 assembly elections, the political battle for the youth vote appears to be gaining momentum, with the BJP and the ruling Aam Aadmi Party increasingly using sports and youth outreach as a key part of their political messaging. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to interact with students on August 27 as part of the “Khelo India Samvad” programme on the occasion of National Sports Day. The event, titled “Khel Ki Baat PM Ke Saath”, will connect students and institutions across the country with the Prime Minister.
Earlier reporting noted: As part of the programme, two colleges from every district of Punjab and Haryana are expected to participate.
