Thiruvananthapuram: Imagine an election campaign where stalwarts like Oommen Chandy, V S Achuthanandan, K Karunakaran and E K Nayanar return, not in person, but through the power of AI. Their voices, mannerisms and signature styles are brought back to life, captivating voters across generations. Achuthanandan’s fiery, no-nonsense speeches once again cut through the noise, while Chandy’s trademark simplicity and warmth strike an emotional chord with the public. Karunakaran’s political acumen and Nayanar’s wit and relatability add further depth to the campaign, creating a powerful blend of nostalgia and innovation. In this reimagined electoral battleground, technology breathes new life into legacy, turning memories into a persuasive force that could shape voter sentiment in unprecedented ways. With digital platforms emerging as the most influential space for political messaging, parties have begun deploying professional teams to steer their online campaigns, signalling a major shift from traditional electioneering methods.BJP, CPM and Congress have all set up dedicated digital “war rooms” staffed with trained social media professionals, meme creators, data analysts and video editors. The aim is clear capture the attention of young voters and ensure maximum reach. At Mararji Bhavan, BJP’s state headquarters, a full-fledged digital campaign unit with over 100 members is already operational round the clock producing content tailored for platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. “We are not just posting content; we are crafting narratives that resonate with the audience in real time,” said Abhijith Radhakrishnan Nair, who leads the BJP’s digital campaign team. “From AI-generated videos to data-driven targeting, every piece of content is strategically designed,” he said. P M Niyas, social media campaign coordinator for the Congress, said the nature of campaigning has fundamentally changed. “Earlier, campaigns were about rallies and posters. Today, a single viral reel can reach lakhs within minutes. That is the power we are harnessing,” he said. “We are investing in professional talent to ensure our messaging is sharp, quick and impactful,” Niyas added. Artificial Intelligence is emerging as a game-changer in this election cycle. By analysing user behaviour and preferences, AI tools help craft messages that are more likely to influence individual voters. Arshad V T, who works in the CPM digital team, highlighted how AI is being used for precision outreach. “We can now customise content for different regions, age groups and interests. It allows us to communicate more effectively without losing the core political message,” he said. Apart from online platforms, digital innovations are also spilling onto the streets. LED display boards mounted on campaign vehicles, showcasing videos, slogans and real-time updates, are expected to be a major attraction. Experts said the ability to combine viral online content with on-ground visibility offers parties a dual advantage. Digital teams typically include content writers, graphic designers, video editors, data scientists and social media strategists. Many are young professionals who understand digital trends and audience behaviour. With creativity, technology and strategy converging, digital campaigning is no longer an add-on; it is the main battleground that could well decide the outcome of the election.
