With BJP taking on the social networking milieu in a big way, Congress wants more people to follow the party's page on Facebook

'Follow us, ask your friends too'

With BJP taking on the social networking milieu in a big way, Congress wants more people to follow the party's page on Facebook

While the BJP has 37,195 fans, the Congress' official page only had 2,047 followers. A fake Congress page is better of with 4,445 members.

The BJP has 37,195 fans, the Congress' official page only had 2,047 followers.

While Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi is known to reach out to the youth of the country by occasionally visiting educational institutions, there are more youngsters (below 40 years of age) on the BJP page.

S Prakash, BJP's head of state (media), said, "We have an IT cell that has made our page popular online. Maybe the Congress does not use such technology." He added, "We are proud of our online popularity, although they have nothing to do with elections. We can now present ourselves better by using this new tool."
However, Oscar Fernandes, All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary and former Union minister, said, "We have over 3 crore members nationally, so the Facebook number is of no relevance.

So, it's fine if only 2,000 people like it." He added, "The BJP might have more followers on Facebook, but nationally we have more members and run the government."

Within the state however, the JD (S) is far behind with only 41 fans. On this, former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, said, "I am soon going to start an initiative to have more people join our party. But we are quite popular within the state. People like me, and have faith in me."

He added, "We will try to gain popularity on Facebook, but we will not ask other party followers to come and join us."

Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) too has been smitten by the social networking bug. VHP International president Ashok Singhal said, "Young volunteers of the VHP are using social networking sites to pass on the message among the netizens."

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels