Patna: With just days left for the Bankipur assembly bypoll, political parties have intensified their digital campaigns, combining social media outreach with direct voter contact through telephone calls, SMSes and WhatsApp messages. Alongside traditional door-to-door canvassing, online platforms have emerged as a key tool to connect with voters, particularly youngsters and first-time electors.The BJP, RJD and Jan Suraaj have stepped up their presence by releasing campaign videos, short reels, candidate messages and constituency-specific content on social media platforms. Party workers are also circulating digital pamphlets highlighting candidates’ promises, achievements and campaign schedules.Political parties have launched targeted outreach through bulk SMSes, recorded voice calls and personalised telephone calls. Volunteers are contacting voters to remind them about polling day, seek support for candidates and encourage higher turnout. WhatsApp groups at booth and ward levels are also being used to coordinate workers and circulate campaign material.According to Anmol Sovit, state head of BJP Bihar’s social media cell, the party has adopted an “organic” digital strategy instead of relying on paid promotions. He said the BJP has deployed two social media volunteers at each of the constituency’s 422 booths, all linked to local WhatsApp groups.“Our workers are sharing positive content through booth-level WhatsApp groups and reminding people of the work done by our national president and former Bankipur MLA Nitin Nabin during his tenure,” Sovit said.He said the campaign is focused on Nitin Nabin’s personal connect with residents. “People themselves are recalling how Nitin Nabin stood by them during difficult times, including the COVID-19 pandemic. BJP is also projecting its candidate, Neeraj Kumar Sinha, as someone who will carry forward the development work and public outreach initiated by Nabin,” he added.The RJD, too, has activated its digital machinery. Party spokesperson Chitranjan Gagan said a 16-member team had been formed to handle online campaigning and voter outreach.“Our digital cell is actively working to connect more and more voters with our candidate. We are highlighting people’s issues and the party’s agenda through digital platforms,” Gagan said.Sources in Jan Suraaj said dedicated digital teams had been formed at booth and ward levels to highlight local issues and unfulfilled promises.As parties blend conventional campaigning with digital outreach, social media, WhatsApp groups and direct messaging have become crucial tools in the closely watched bypoll.
