‘Muslim Party’: How BJP’s propaganda undermined Congress in Assam

Guwahati: The Assembly election results in Assam have drawn attention to the role of aggressive campaign, involving false propaganda against Congress, in shaping voter perception, with the BJP securing a victory in the state.

The campaign led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma focused heavily on projecting cultural identity concerns and positioning the BJP as a protector of the state against alleged demographic threats. A key element of the campaign was the portrayal of the Indian National Congress as a party engaged in minority appeasement, particularly Muslims.

This narrative was widely amplified through coordinated social media efforts. Digital platforms saw the circulation of targeted content, including posts by influencers and anonymous accounts, which repeatedly framed Congress leaders in a negative light. Gaurav Gogoi, a prominent Congress face in the state, was frequently subjected to online campaigns that questioned his affiliations, with labels such as “Paaijan” gaining traction across platforms.

Campaign messaging also drew on selective information, past incidents, and unverified claims, some of which were presented using advanced digital tools. These efforts contributed to a broader discourse portraying the Congress as aligned primarily with minority interests. The repeated circulation of such content created strong engagement online, further reinforcing the narrative among sections of the electorate.

Observers note that the scale and consistency of this messaging played a significant role in influencing public opinion. The BJP’s communication strategy, combining traditional outreach with an extensive digital push, appears to have resonated with voters.

The election outcome, marked by the BJP’s decisive win, underlines the growing impact of social media-driven narratives in electoral politics, with critics pointing out that contested and potentially misleading claims have contributed to shaping the final verdict.

Based on IANS story